Chemical Name: Dichloroacetonitrile
Common Synonyms: 2,2-Dichloroacetonitrile
Chemical Formula: C2HCl2N
Appearance: Colorless to light yellow liquid
Odor: Sharp, bitter, unpleasant
CAS Number: 3018-12-0
GHS Classification: Acute Toxicity (Oral, Inhalation, Dermal), Skin Corrosive/Irritation, Eye Damage/Irritation
Primary Hazards: Strongly toxic by inhalation, ingestion, skin absorption; causes burns, irritation to eyes, respiratory tract and skin; harmful environmental impact
Signal Word: Danger
Pictograms: Skull and crossbones, corrosion
Main Risks: May cause severe health problems from acute or repeated exposure; rapidly absorbed and can result in systemic toxicity; possible delayed symptoms
Main Ingredient: Dichloroacetonitrile
Concentration: Typically ranges from 95% to 100% pure for laboratory or industrial use
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air immediately; seek medical attention; oxygen or artificial respiration as needed
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing; rinse skin thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes; get medical help
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes; remove contact lenses if possible; get emergency care
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; rinse mouth with water; seek immediate medical attention; do not give anything by mouth if victim is unconscious
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide to put out flames
Specific Hazards: Produces toxic gases like hydrogen chloride and cyanide compounds when heated or burned
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Personal Precautions: Keep unprotected people away; wear full-body chemical-resistant clothing, gloves, and eye protection
Environmental Precautions: Prevent run-off into drains, surface water, or soil
Containment and Clean Up: Absorb with inert material like sand, collect into containers for disposal; ventilate area; wash spill site thoroughly
Handling: Only trained workers should handle this chemical; avoid inhalation, ingestion, or contact with skin; use under chemical fume hood
Storage: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area; keep tightly sealed and away from incompatible materials such as bases, strong oxidizers, or reducing agents; segregate from food and drink
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation or fume hood recommended
Personal Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves, splash-proof safety goggles, lab coat or chemical suit; make use of respiratory protection in poorly ventilated environments
Exposure Limits: No established OSHA or ACGIH exposure limits, but treat as acutely hazardous
Physical State: Liquid
Color: Colorless to pale yellow
Boiling Point: 112-114°C
Melting Point: -35°C
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water; miscible with most organic solvents
Vapor Pressure: Moderate at room temperature
Odor: Sharp, acrid
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling
Incompatible Materials: Reacts violently with strong bases, strong oxidizing agents, strong reducing agents
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen chloride, toxic cyanide compounds, phosgene possible with fire or heat
Conditions to Avoid: High temperatures, direct sunlight, moisture, contact with incompatible substances
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin absorption, eye contact, ingestion
Symptoms: Headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, respiratory distress, skin burns, eye irritation
Acute Toxicity: Rapidly toxic by ingestion or inhalation; LC50/LD50 values fall in the low-milligram per kilogram range for small animals; fatal exposures documented
Chronic Effects: Potential for cumulative damage to liver, kidneys, and nervous system with repeated exposure
Carcinogenicity: No conclusive evidence, though related compounds may raise concern
Aquatic Toxicity: Highly toxic to aquatic life; can cause rapid death in fish and invertebrates
Persistence and Degradability: Not readily biodegradable; may persist in water or soil
Bioaccumulation: Potential to accumulate in organisms, although specific data limited
Environmental Impact: Risk of serious damage to local ecosystems from spills or improper disposal
Waste Disposal: Handle as hazardous waste; incinerate in approved facility; keep out of sewers and natural waters
Container Disposal: Decontaminate containers before discarding as hazardous waste
Regulatory Recommendation: Consult local environmental and hazardous waste authorities before disposal
UN Number: Recognized as hazardous for transport
Proper Shipping Name: Dichloroacetonitrile, Toxic Liquid
Hazard Class: Toxic substances class
Packing Group: Group indicating severe toxicity; follow all Transport Authority guidelines
Special Transport Precautions: Ensure secure containers, proper labeling, and emergency response provisions throughout shipment
Chemical Inventories: Listed on major chemical regulatory lists globally, subject to handling restrictions
Regulations: Strict rules apply due to toxicity, environmental hazard, and potential for misuse; subject to workplace safety, transportation, and environmental regulations
Worker Protection Laws: Employers required to train workers, provide personal protective equipment, and monitor exposures in workplaces handling this chemical