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ACETONITRILE
ICSC: 0088
Peer-Review Status: 09.06.2011 Validated
Methyl cyanide
Cyanomethane
Ethanenitrile
Methanecarbonitrile 
CAS #: 75-05-8 RTECS #: AL7700000
UN #: 1648
EC #: 608-001-00-3
EINECS #: 200-835-2
 		    Formula: C2H3N / CH3CN
Molecular mass: 41.0

TYPES OF
HAZARD /
EXPOSURE 		ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS      PREVENTION      FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Highly flammable. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.  NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking. NO contact with hot surfaces or strong oxidizing agents.  Use powder, foam, carbon dioxide. Water may be ineffective. 
EXPLOSION Vapour/air mixtures are explosive. Risk of fire and explosion on contact with strong oxidants. Heating will cause rise in pressure with risk of bursting.  Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Do NOT use compressed air for filling, discharging, or handling. Use non-sparking handtools.  In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water. 
 
EXPOSURE   PREVENT GENERATION OF MISTS! STRICT HYGIENE!  IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR! 
Inhalation Sore throat. Weakness. Chest tightness. Shortness of breath. Dizziness. Nausea. Vomiting. Convulsions. Unconciousness. Symptoms may be delayed.  Use ventilation, local exhaust or breathing protection.  Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. No mouth-to-mouth artificial respiration. Refer immediately for medical attention. See Notes. 
Skin EASILY ABSORBED!  Protective gloves. Protective clothing.  Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention . 
Eyes Redness. Pain.  Wear face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.  Rinse with plenty of water (remove contact lenses if easily possible). Refer immediately for medical attention. 
Ingestion See Inhalation.  Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.  Rinse mouth. Give one or two glasses of water to drink. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer immediately for medical attention. 

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL
 		PACKAGING & LABELLING
Consult an expert! Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus. Ventilation. Remove all ignition sources. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in dry sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.   
EC Classification
Symbol: F, Xn; R: 11-20/21/22-36; S: (2)-16-36/37 
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 3; UN Pack Group: II 
GHS Classification
Signal: Danger
Highly flammable liquid and vapour
Toxic in contact with skin or if inhaled
Harmful if swallowed
Causes serious eye irritation
May be harmful if swallowed and enters airways
May cause damage to blood through prolonged or repeated exposure 
flam;flameskull;toxiccancer;health haz

EMERGENCY RESPONSE SAFE STORAGE
NFPA Code: H2; F3; R0.  Fireproof. Keep in a well-ventilated room. Separated from acids, bases, strong oxidants and food and feedstuffs. Well closed. 

IMPORTANT DATA
Physical State; Appearance
COLOURLESS LIQUID WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR. 

Physical dangers
The vapour mixes well with air, explosive mixtures are easily formed. 

Chemical dangers
Decomposes on heating or on burning and on contact with hot surfaces. This produces toxic fumes including hydrogen cyanide and nitrogen oxides. Reacts violently with strong oxidants. This generates fire and explosion hazard. Reacts with acids and bases. This produces toxic and flammable hydrogen cyanide. Attacks some forms of plastic, rubber and coatings. 

Occupational exposure limits
TLV: 20ppm as TWA; (skin); A4 (not classifiable as a human carcinogen); (ACGIH 2010).
EU OEL ( selected): 40 ppm, 70 mg/m³ as TWA;. 

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour, through the skin and by ingestion. 

Inhalation risk
A harmful contamination of the air can be reached rather quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C. 

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is irritating to the eyes. The substance may cause effects on the cellular respiration (inhibition). This may result in convulsions and respiratory failure. Exposure far above the OEL could cause death. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated. 

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
The substance may have effects on the blood. This may result in anaemia. The substance may have effects on the kidneys, liver and thyroid. This may result in impaired functions. 


PHYSICAL PROPERTIES ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
Boiling point: 82°C
Melting point: -46°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.8
Solubility in water, g/100ml at 20°C: 1390 (very good)
Vapour pressure, kPa at 25°C: 9.9
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 1.4
Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.04
Flash point: 2°C c.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: 524°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 3.0-17
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: -0.3
Viscosity: 0.35 cP at 20°C  		See Notes. 

NOTES
Specific treatment is necessary in case of poisoning with this substance; the appropriate means with instructions must be available.
Oxygen should be administered exclusively by specially trained first aid or medical personnel.
Do NOT take working clothes home.
Environmental effects from the substance have been investigated but none has been found. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety 		WHO ILO EC Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the European Commission
© IPCS 2004-2012
LEGAL NOTICE Neither the EC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the EC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. 
    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       Acetonitrile (EHC 154, 1993)