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ACETONE CYANOHYDRIN
ICSC: 0611
Peer-Review Status: 23.03.1998 Validated
2-Hydroxy-2-methyl propionitrile
2-Methyl-lactonitrile
2-Cyanopropan-2-ol
p-Hydroxyisobutyronitrile 
CAS #: 75-86-5 RTECS #: OD9275000
UN #: 1541
EC #: 608-004-00-X
EINECS #: 200-909-4
 		    Formula: (CH3)2C(OH)CN / C4H7NO
Molecular mass: 85.1

TYPES OF
HAZARD /
EXPOSURE 		ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS      PREVENTION      FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.  NO open flames.  Use powder, AFFF, foam, carbon dioxide. 
EXPLOSION Above 74°C explosive vapour/air mixtures may be formed.  Above 74°C use a closed system and ventilation.  In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water. NO direct contact with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position. 
 
EXPOSURE   AVOID ALL CONTACT!  IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR! 
Inhalation Convulsions. Cough. Dizziness. Headache. Laboured breathing. Nausea. Shortness of breath. Unconciousness. Vomiting. Irregular heartbeat. Chest tightness.  Use closed system or ventilation.  Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention. 
Skin MAY BE ABSORBED! Redness. Pain. See Inhalation.  Protective gloves. Protective clothing.  Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Refer for medical attention . 
Eyes Redness. Pain.  Wear face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.  First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention. 
Ingestion Abdominal cramps. Burning sensation. Convulsions. Unconsciousness. See Notes. See Inhalation.  Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.  Rinse mouth. Refer for medical attention . 

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL
 		PACKAGING & LABELLING
Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Sweep spilled substance into covered containers. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.  Airtight.
Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
Marine pollutant. 
EC Classification
Symbol: T+, N; R: 26/27/28-50/53; S: (1/2)-7/9-27-45-60-61 
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 6.1; UN Pack Group: I 
GHS Classification
 

EMERGENCY RESPONSE SAFE STORAGE
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-61S1541.
NFPA Code: H4; F1; R2.  		Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Separated from strong bases, acids, water and food and feedstuffs. Well closed. Keep in a well-ventilated room. 

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

Physical dangers
The vapour is heavier than air. 

Chemical dangers
Decomposes rapidly on heating and on contact with bases and water. This produces highly toxic and flammable hydrogen cyanide (see ICSC 0492) and acetone (see ICSC 0087). Reacts violently with acids and oxidants. This generates fire and explosion hazard. 

Occupational exposure limits
TLV (as CN): 5mg/m³ (ceiling value); (skin); (ACGIH 2004). 

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, 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, skin and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the cardiovascular system and central nervous system. This may result in asphyxia, cardiac disorders, convulsions, cyanosis and respiratory failure. Exposure could cause death. Medical observation is indicated. See Notes. 

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
The substance may have effects on the central nervous system and thyroid. This may result in impaired functions. 


PHYSICAL PROPERTIES ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
Boiling point: 95°C
Melting point: -19°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.93
Solubility in water: freely soluble, but decomposes in water
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 3.0
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.93
Flash point: 74°C c.c.
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 2.2-12  		The substance is very toxic to aquatic organisms. Avoid release to the environment in circumstances different to normal use. 

NOTES
The occupational exposure limit value should not be exceeded during any part of the working exposure.
Specific treatment is necessary in case of poisoning with this substance; the appropriate means with instructions must be available.
Hazard and toxicity of this substance is due to its major metabolite - hydrogen cyanide (see ICSC 0492).
Card has been partly updated in October 2004 and 2005.
See sections Occupational Exposure Limits, EU classification, Emergency Response. 

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
       Acetone cyanohydrin (SIDS)