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Chemical Name: 2,2'-Azobisisobutyronitrile
Synonyms: AIBN, Azobis(isobutyronitrile), 2,2'-Azodiisobutyronitrile
Appearance: White crystalline powder
Common Uses: Free radical polymerization initiator, blowing agent in foaming plastics, laboratory chemical for organic synthesis
Odor: Faint characteristic odor noticeable when handling it directly
CAS Number: 78-67-1
Classification: Oxidizing solid, acute toxicity (oral and inhalation), skin and eye irritant
Main Hazards: Decomposes easily at moderate temperatures, releasing nitrogen gas and toxic cyanide compounds
Exposure Risk: Dust formation can make inhalation likely during transfer or weighing; skin absorption can cause irritation
Fire Risk: Strong tendency to self-heat and potentially ignite, especially in bulk storage or near heat sources
Health Effects: Nausea, dizziness, headache, respiratory tract irritation, skin rash, eye redness; can act as a cyanide source inside the body
Explosion Risk: Can explode under confinement or if exposed to flame; fine powders increase risk of airborne dust deflagration
Main Ingredient: 2,2'-Azobisisobutyronitrile >98% by weight
Impurities: Trace organic by-products from synthesis usually below 2%, can slightly influence thermal stability
Formulation: Rarely blended with stabilizers, but some producers mix with inert material to reduce dust and explosion risk
Inhalation: Move outside to fresh air quickly to cut down on breathing problems; persistent irritation means seeing a doctor is needed
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin thoroughly with plenty of soap and water; prolonged redness or rash may require medical attention
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes gently with water for several minutes, do not rub; see a healthcare provider if pain or vision change stays
Ingestion: Avoid inducing vomiting; rinse mouth if possible and get immediate professional help — rapid intervention matters since cyanide poisoning risk can’t be ruled out
Extinguishing Media: Foam and dry chemical are preferred; water has limited effect because of chemical reactivity
Specific Dangers: Rapid decomposition may release toxic gases like hydrogen cyanide and nitrogen oxides; confined situations can escalate to explosion
Protective Equipment: Full protective gear including self-contained breathing apparatus; evacuation often needed if a large quantity goes up
Firefighting Tactics: Cool nearby containers with water spray but avoid direct stream on the burning chemical; isolate area and outline perimeter due to gas hazard
Personal Protection: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and protective clothing; dust mask or full respiratory protection if dust clouds are likely
Spill Collection: Scoop up carefully with non-sparking tools, use damp materials to minimize dust, store in a sealed container for disposal
Cleanup: Avoid washing spill into drains; ventilate area well, especially in closed workspaces
Environmental Impact: Sweeping into drains or uncontrolled outdoor release risks environmental harm, especially to aquatic organisms
Handling: Use in small batches in well-ventilated areas; avoid friction, sharp impacts, heat, and any open flame
Storage: Keep cool, preferably under 20°C, in a dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources; keep containers tightly closed
Segregation: Separate from strong acids, oxidizers, and reducing agents to avoid unintended reactions
Equipment: Grounding and explosion-proof fixtures add a safety margin for users
Exposure Limits: No established OSHA or ACGIH limits, but recommended to minimize dust and vapor exposure to the lowest practical level
Engineering Controls: Fume hood or local exhaust ventilation required when weighing or transferring the solid
Personal Gear: Nitrile gloves, chemical splash goggles, lab coat, dust mask, and possibly a full-face respirator for large-scale work
Personal Hygiene: Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly before eating, drinking, or touching face
Form: White crystalline solid, often appears as a free-flowing powder
Melting Point: 102–104°C (breakdown occurs soon after melting)
Odor: Slight, almost unnoticeable unless concentrated
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, better in alcohols, organic solvents like acetone
Vapor Pressure: Very low at room temperature
Decomposition: Releases nitrogen gas on heating or standing above 60°C
Danger Points: Bulk material self-accelerates at moderate temperature, so strict temperature control counts for a lot
Stability: Thermally unstable, breaks down rapidly under heat or light
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids or bases, oxidizers, reducing agents, metal powders
Decomposition Products: Hydrogen cyanide, nitrogen oxides, isobutyronitrile
Polymerization: Not a risk, but rapid decomposition in bulk creates explosive force
Acute Effects: Inhaling or ingesting causes headache, vertigo, and sometimes fainting due to cyanide release
Chronic Exposure: Lessons learned in labs show repeated low-level exposure can sensitize skin and airways; no strong evidence for cancer risk but caution remains the rule
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation and skin absorption stand as real risks in daily lab use
Symptoms: Shortness of breath, nausea, redness, and irritation; higher amounts risk more severe poisoning, including loss of consciousness
Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to aquatic life even at low doses; decomposition releases nitriles and cyanide compounds
Persistence: Breaks down quickly in sunlight and air; intermediate products can still cause environmental trade-offs
Mobility: Does not migrate far through soil due to low water solubility, but runoff into waterways deals the most damage
Bioaccumulation: Not known to build up in fish or animals, yet individual local cases could differ based on exposure conditions
Waste Handling: Treat as hazardous chemical waste; specialized incineration facilities with gas scrubbing best eliminate risks
Large Quantities: Seek help from licensed disposal contractors for bulk shipments; mixing with strong oxidizers or open burning always creates serious danger
Regulatory Requirements: Most places categorize as hazardous due to toxicity and explosion risk—cut down on waste at the source, never pour down common drains
Hazard Class: Generally shipped as a 4.1 (flammable solid) or 6.1 (toxic substance) depending on specific formulation and region
Packing Group: II or III depending on amount and packaging
Labeling: Requires clear hazard symbols on outer case; strict control on mixed cargo
Shipping Method: Ground or air transport usually demands temperature control and stable packaging, no direct loading with food, feed, or personal care items
International Controls: Listed under several chemical control conventions including REACH in Europe and TSCA in the United States
Workplace Regulations: Lab and manufacturing operations must post hazard warnings, offer regular safety training, and keep detailed logs of use and waste
Environmental Release: Reportable under national pollutant inventories if spilled or released in bulk
Licensing: Some countries restrict sale or require end-user certification owing to risks of misuse or unsafe storage
