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Name: Acetonitrile
Chemical Formula: C2H3N
Other Names: Methyl cyanide, Ethanenitrile
Common Uses: Lab solvent, HPLC eluent, organic synthesis
Appearance: Colorless, volatile liquid with an ether-like odor
Boiling Point: 81.6°C
Molecular Weight: 41.05 g/mol
CAS Number: 75-05-8
GHS Classification: Highly flammable liquid, acute toxicity (oral, dermal, inhalation), eye and skin irritant
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Pictograms: Flame, exclamation mark, skull and crossbones
Main Risks: Vapors can ignite easily; exposure can harm the central nervous system, affect breathing, irritate eyes and skin, and cause symptoms like headache, nausea, or dizziness; high amounts harmful or fatal
Chemical Name: Acetonitrile
Concentration: Typically 99% or higher
Impurities: Trace water or stabilizers sometimes present
Synonyms Recognized: Methyl cyanide, cyanomethane
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, keep victim warm, seek immediate medical advice if symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath occur
Skin Contact: Rinse with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, medical attention for persistent irritation
Eye Contact: Flush gently with water for several minutes, seek help if discomfort persists
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth, get prompt medical help
Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide; water can spread liquid
Special Hazards: Burns with invisible flame sometimes; toxic gases like nitrogen oxides and hydrogen cyanide form
Protective Equipment: Self-contained breathing apparatus, protective clothing
Explosion Risk: Vapors heavier than air settle in low spots; easy to ignite with static, sparks, or flame
Personal Protection: Evacuate unnecessary people, ventilate area, wear gloves, goggles, and respirator
Spill Handling: Absorb with inert material like sand, collect for disposal
Environmental Precautions: Stop leak if safe, keep out of drains, surface water, and soil to avoid longer term contamination
Storage: Keep tightly closed in a cool, dry, ventilated area; keep away from heat and ignition sources
Handling: Minimize vapor formation, avoid breathing fumes, wear proper personal protection
Incompatibilities: Strong acids, oxidizers, bases
Safe Practices: Use non-sparking tools, ground the container, do not eat, drink, or smoke during use
Engineering Controls: Fume hood or local exhaust ventilation to keep airborne limits low
Personal Protection: Gloves (nitrile, neoprene), splash goggles, lab coat
Respiratory Protection: Respirator if ventilation is insufficient
Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL: 40 ppm (ACGIH TLV), NIOSH REL: 20 ppm
Hygiene: Regular handwashing, do not reuse contaminated PPE
Physical State: Liquid
Odor: Sweet, ether-like
Flash Point: 2°C (36°F)
Lower Explosive Limit: 4.4%
Upper Explosive Limit: 16%
Solubility: Miscible with water and many organic solvents
Vapor Pressure: 88 mmHg at 20°C
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended conditions
Reactive With: Strong oxidizers, acids, alkalis
Decomposition: Forms hydrogen cyanide, oxides of nitrogen under fire or high temperature
Polymerization: Not known to occur under normal use
Acute Toxicity: Rapid absorption by inhalation, ingestion, skin, can cause cyanosis, convulsions, loss of consciousness, death at high levels
Chronic Effects: Repeated low dose exposure affects liver, lungs, kidneys
Symptoms: Headache, nausea, weakness, confusion
LD50 Rat Oral: Approximately 2730 mg/kg
Toxicity to Aquatic Life: Harmful to fish and other aquatic organisms in concentrated spills
Persistence: Readily biodegradable in air and soil but can contaminate groundwater
Mobility: Spreads easily in the environment due to high solubility and volatility
Waste Methods: Collect liquid and absorbents as hazardous waste
Precautions: Do not pour into drains, surface water, or soil
Approved Facility: Dispose via licensed hazardous waste contractor
Container Management: Rinse empty containers thoroughly, puncture, and dispose as hazardous waste
UN Number: 1648
Proper Shipping Name: Acetonitrile
Transport Hazard Class: 3 (flammable liquid)
Packing Group: II
Transport Precautions: Keep away from heat, store upright, pre-label packages for flammable hazards
OSHA: Listed as hazardous
EPA: Classified as hazardous under CERCLA
DOT: Regulated as a hazardous material
SARA: Subject to reporting requirements for releases
International: Listed in Annex I of EU Regulation 1272/2008 (CLP)
