© 2026 Sinochem Nanjing Corporation,
All Right Reserved
Chemical Name: Adiponitrile
Synonyms: Hexanedinitrile
CAS Number: 111-69-3
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Faint, ether-like
Molecular Formula: C6H8N2
Uses: This stuff plays a backbone role in nylon manufacturing. It finds its way into several chemical production lines, so workers in plastics and synthetic fibers often cross its hazardous path.
Hazard Class: Toxic by inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption
Route of Exposure: Airborne vapor, skin or eye contact, swallowing
Immediate Effects: Breathing problems, eye and skin irritation, nausea, confusion, and even loss of consciousness at high concentrations
Long-Term Effects: Chronic exposure may affect the nervous system and liver
Environmental Hazards: Harmful to aquatic life; spills make real headaches for wastewater systems
Safety Symbols (GHS): Skull and crossbones, exclamation mark—these signs aren't on there for show, so treat them seriously
Component: Adiponitrile
Concentration: 99% or above in industrial applications
Impurities: Trace organic nitriles, usually under 1%
Additives: Not usually present in significant amounts
The toxic profile comes mostly from Adiponitrile itself, not something blended into it, so focusing on this one compound covers the biggest risks.
Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air. Support breathing. Seek medical attention even if symptoms seem mild.
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing. Medical check is a good idea.
Eye Contact: Rinse gently with water for at least fifteen minutes. Get medical help, eye injuries aren't worth playing tough.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Immediate medical assistance can make the difference here.
Anyone who winds up handling Adiponitrile should have easy access to eyewash stations and emergency showers, since exposure symptoms might not show up right away.
Flammability: Can catch fire but needs a pretty strong ignition source
Explosion Risk: Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air in confined spaces
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide
Special Hazards: Releases toxic gases like hydrogen cyanide and oxides of nitrogen when burned
Protective Gear: Firefighters need self-contained breathing apparatus and chemical-protective clothing in case things get out of hand
Water spray may be useful to cool drums but won’t actually put out an Adiponitrile fire, so specialized knowledge is a must for response teams.
Personal Precautions: Evacuate area. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and respiratory protection. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spills from reaching drains or waterways. Notify local authorities if contamination happens.
Clean-Up Methods: Use inert absorbents like sand or earth. Contain and collect for disposal. Ventilate the spill area well.
Small spills demand fast action due to vapor inhalation risks; for large spills, specialist teams should handle the containment and clean-up to keep everyone safe.
Handling: Work only in well-ventilated spaces or under fume hoods. Use personal protective equipment every time. Keep containers tightly closed when not in use. Never eat, drink, or smoke nearby.
Storage: Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from sources of ignition and direct sunlight. Suitable containers include those made of stainless steel or high-density polyethylene. Label all containers clearly.
Using lockable storage and restricted access helps reduce the chances of accidental exposure by untrained workers or curious visitors.
Recommended Engineering Controls: Strong local exhaust ventilation; use of enclosed systems wherever possible
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical splash goggles and face shield; nitrile or butyl rubber gloves; flame-resistant lab coats or coveralls; and full-face respirators or supplied-air systems if vapor exceeds safe limits
Exposure Limits: OSHA and ACGIH have set recommended exposure limits; the number often lands around 2–5 ppm (parts per million), so keeping air monitoring devices running helps spot trouble way before anyone feels sick.
Paying attention to equipment maintenance and cleanliness will reduce risk and help workers avoid unexpected exposures.
Physical State: Liquid at room temperature
Boiling Point: About 295°F (146°C)
Melting Point: -8°F (-22°C)
Vapor Pressure: Low, but can still produce enough fumes at higher temperatures to present inhalation risks
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, but mixes well with organic solvents
Density: Around 0.97 g/cm³
Odor Threshold: Low threshold, but don’t trust your nose—monitoring devices give better warnings
Its slick, oily texture makes spills extra troublesome on most surfaces, so careful handling counts.
Chemical Stability: Stable under most storage conditions, breaks down if it gets hot or exposed to strong acids or bases
Reactivity: Reacts dangerously with strong oxidizers, acids, and bases
Hazardous Decomposition Products: On heating or burning, produces vapors containing hydrogen cyanide, oxides of nitrogen, and other toxic gases
Proper labeling and segregating storage help workers avoid dangerous mix-ups with incompatible chemicals.
Acute Toxicity: Breathing toxic fumes harms the central nervous system and can impair breathing or even be fatal
Skin and Eye Effects: Causes irritation and can penetrate the skin, leading to severe poisoning in serious cases
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure in industrial settings has been tied to headaches, fatigue, and possible liver irregularities
Route of Entry: Vapors enter through lungs, liquid through skin or mucous membranes
Emergency staff training and routine worker health checks help catch unexplained symptoms early, protecting the long-term health of everyone in the facility.
Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to aquatic animals, especially invertebrates and fish
Persistence: Does not easily break down in natural water; risk increases with repeated spills
Mobility: Moves easily through soil and water, especially after large releases
Bioaccumulation: Does not seem to store up significantly in fish or plant tissue, but persistent contamination of water sources disrupts ecosystems
Plant managers must put strict spill prevention and detection strategies in place to limit environmental impact and avoid legal penalties.
Waste Disposal: Handle using high-temperature incineration at licensed facilities equipped with air scrubbers
Packaging: Rinsed empty drums or containers must go through licensed waste companies
Special Precautions: Never pour Adiponitrile down drains or into the soil
Everyone handling waste streams needs both training and oversight, since cutting corners might cost the company and the environment a lot more in the long run.
Transport Hazards: Label as toxic liquid, keep away from heat or ignition sources
UN Number: 2205
Recommended Containers: Use only approved, pressure-tested drums or tanks
Handling During Transport: Secure containers upright, monitor temperature, and make sure labeling is legible
Transport staff need dedicated safety briefings—traffic accidents or leaks on the road create extra risks for both people and the broader environment.
Country-Specific Rules: Listed as a hazardous substance in major chemical inventories across North America, the EU, and Asia
Reporting Requirements: Spills over threshold quantities must be reported to environmental agencies and safety boards
Occupational Exposure Limits: Regulatory bodies such as OSHA and NIOSH provide strict exposure limits and demand full documentation of risk management strategies
Labeling: GHS pictograms, clear hazard statements, and safety recommendations are required for every shipment
Facilities working with Adiponitrile need up-to-date training sessions for every worker, along with clear records for compliance audits—a well-educated team remains the best defense against the sort of disasters that wind up splashed across headlines.
