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Chemical Name: Malononitrile
Chemical Formula: C3H2N2
Appearance: White to pale yellow crystalline solid
Odor: Slight almond-like
Common Uses: Intermediate in chemical synthesis, lab reagent for Knoevenagel condensations, and precursor for pharmaceuticals
Synonyms: Propanedinitrile, Maloncyanhydrin
Molecular Weight: 66.06 g/mol
CAS: 109-77-3
GHS Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, dermal, inhalation)
Pictograms: Skull and crossbones, exclamation mark
Signal Word: Danger
Primary Health Hazards: Harmful if swallowed, toxic by skin absorption, causes eye and skin irritation, respiratory tract irritation
Potential Symptoms: Nausea, dizziness, headache, drowsiness, cyanosis (bluish skin), respiratory distress
Fire Hazards: Flammable solids category by some standards; dust may form explosive mixtures with air
Component: Malononitrile (pure), usually >98% concentration in commercial forms
Impurities: Small amounts of water, possible traces of starting raw materials from lab/reaction synthesis
Inhalation: Remove to fresh air quickly; support breathing and oxygen if symptoms show
Eye Contact: Rinse with water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical attention if irritation persists
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash area with soap and water; attention for persistent irritation
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth if conscious; get prompt medical advice
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, CO2, water spray for small fires
Specific Hazards: Toxic gas release such as hydrogen cyanide, nitrogen oxides in fire
Protective Equipment: Self-contained breathing apparatus, chemical protective clothing to handle fumes
Advice for Firefighters: Stay upwind, avoid inhaling toxic fumes, cool surrounding containers
Personal Precautions: Evacuate area, ventilate, avoid dust formation, wear gloves, goggles, and suitable respirator
Environmental Precautions: Prevent leakage into water sources or soil
Cleanup Methods: Scoop solid or absorb with inert material (sand, earth), place in suitable containers for disposal
Disposal: Do not sweep into open drains; treat as hazardous waste
Handling: Work in well-ventilated space, minimize dust, use local exhaust if possible, avoid direct contact
Hygiene: Wash hands before eating, don’t eat or drink in chemical areas, handle in closed processes if practical
Storage: Store tightly closed in cool, dry, ventilated setting, away from light, heat or ignition sources, segregated from acids and oxidizers
Control Parameters: No established OELs in many jurisdictions, but keep exposure as low as possible
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, keep process enclosed, safety showers and eyewash stations nearby
Personal Protection: Nitrile or neoprene gloves, chemical splash goggles, face shield, lab coat, respirator when dusty or in confined spaces
Appearance: White to pale yellow crystal
Odor: Bitter almond-like smell
Solubility: Moderately soluble in water, soluble in ethanol, ether
Melting Point: Around 31-33°C
Boiling Point: About 220°C
Vapor Pressure: Low at room temperature
Specific Gravity: 1.13 at 25°C
pH: Weakly acidic aqueous solutions
Chemical Stability: Stable at room temperature if kept dry and away from light
Possible Reaction Risks: May react with acids, bases, oxidizing agents; can undergo hydrolysis, releasing toxic gases under severe conditions
Hazardous Decomposition: Hydrogen cyanide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide may evolve if heated or burned
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, acids, alkalis, heat sources
Route of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption
Acute Toxicity: Known for relatively high oral toxicity (rat LD50 values from reported studies: 25-100 mg/kg depending on source)
Effects of Exposure: Drowsiness, unconsciousness, convulsions, changes in respiratory or cardiovascular systems
Long-Term Effects: Little evidence for chronic toxicity due to its specialized industrial/lab use persistence
Irritation/Corrosivity: Causes skin and eye irritation, respiratory tract irritation
Sensitization: Not identified as a major sensitizer
Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to aquatic life—reports of inhibition to algae, fish, and invertebrate species
Persistence and Degradability: Degrades slowly in water, faster with sunlight and microbial activity
Mobility: Can leach through soil, detectable in groundwater if not managed carefully
Bioaccumulation: Not considered significant based on low fat solubility
Waste Treatment: As hazardous chemical waste via licensed disposal contractor
Methods: Chemical degradation under controlled conditions, incineration with scrubbers for evolved gases
Do Not: Discharge into drains, natural water bodies, or open landfill
Classification: Regulated as a toxic solid (varies regionally)
Shipping: Use tightly closed containers, secondary containment, proper labels, avoid shipping with food or incompatible chemicals
Transport Precautions: Secure containers to prevent leaks, keep away from heat and ignition, inform handlers of hazards through clear documentation
Compliance: Subject to restrictions under chemical safety laws in most regions—OSHA, EPA, REACH notify as dangerous
Reporting Requirements: Above certain thresholds, many agencies require reporting or registration
Labeling: Must include hazard pictograms, risk and safety statements, chemical name
