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ETHYLENE CYANOHYDRIN
ICSC: 1026
Peer-Review Status: 16.10.2001 Validated
3-Hydroxypropionitrile
2-Cyanoethanol
Glycol cyanohydrin
Methanolacetonitrile 
CAS #: 109-78-4 RTECS #: MU5250000
EINECS #: 203-704-8
 		    Formula: C3H5NO / HOCH2CH2CN
Molecular mass: 71.08

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, alcohol-resistant foam, carbon dioxide. 
EXPLOSION      
 
EXPOSURE      
Inhalation   Use ventilation.  Fresh air, rest. 
Skin Redness.  Protective gloves.  Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. 
Eyes Redness. Pain.  Wear safety goggles.  First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention. 
Ingestion   Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.  Rinse mouth. 

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL
 		PACKAGING & LABELLING
Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.   
EC Classification
 
UN Classification
 
GHS Classification
 

EMERGENCY RESPONSE SAFE STORAGE
NFPA Code: H1; F1; R2.  Separated from acids, bases and oxidants. Cool. Dry. Keep in a well-ventilated room. 

IMPORTANT DATA
Physical State; Appearance
COLOURLESS-TO-YELLOW LIQUID. 

Physical dangers
 

Chemical dangers
The substance may polymerize under the influence of organic bases. Decomposes on heating and on contact with acids, acid fumes and water. This produces highly toxic fumes including hydrogen cyanide. Reacts violently with strong oxidants. 

Occupational exposure limits
TLV (NOT-ESTABLISHED):. 

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

Inhalation risk
No indication can be given about the rate at which a harmful concentration of this substance in the air is reached on evaporation at 20°C. 

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is irritating to the eyes and skin. 

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
 


PHYSICAL PROPERTIES ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
Decomposes at 228°C
Melting point: -46°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.04
Solubility in water: miscible
Vapour pressure, Pa at 25°C: 10.7
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.45
Flash point: 129°C o.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: 494°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 2.3-12.1
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: -0.94   		 

NOTES
This substance is less hazardous than some other nitriles which easily form hydrogen cyanide in the body. 

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