Acetonitrile
Agent Name
Acetonitrile
CAS Number
75-05-8
Formula
C2-H3-N
Major Category
Nitrogen Compounds
Synonyms
Acetonitril [German, Dutch]; Acetonitrile; Cyanomethane; Cyanure de methyl [French]; Ethanenitrile; Ethyl nitrile; Methane, cyano-; Methanecarbonitrile; Methyl cyanide; Methylkyanid [Czech]; [ChemIDplus] UN1648
Category
Nitriles
Description
Colorless liquid with an aromatic odor; Note: Forms cyanide in the body; [NIOSH]
Sources/Uses
Used as a solvent for extraction of hydrocarbons, for separation of fatty acids from vegetable oils, and as a specialty solvent; [ACGIH]
Comments
In subchronic animal studies, histopathological liver effects occur. In a human inhalation study, all five subjects detected the odor at 40 ppm, the initial concentration of the experiment. After two or three hours, some olfactory fatigue was observed. A fatality was reported in a worker who painted for 2 days in a confined space with a resin containing 30-40% acetonitrile. [ACGIH] Cases have been reported of children developing symptoms of cyanide poisoning within hours of drinking acetonitrile-based artificial nail remover. [ATSDR Case Studies # 15] In reproductive studies of experimental animals, acetonitrile causes fetal skeletal abnormalities. [Frazier, p. 349-50] See "NITRILES."
Reference Link #1
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Skin Designation (ACGIH)
Yes
TLV (ACGIH)
20 ppm
PEL (OSHA)
40 ppm
MAK
20 ppm
IDLH (NIOSH)
137 ppm
Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs
Exposures to 160 ppm for 4 hours has caused flushing of the face and a feeling of constriction in the chest; exposures to 500 ppm for brief (undefined) time periods has resulted in only irritation to the nose and throat [Deichmann and Gerarde 1969].
Vapor Pressure
88.8 mm Hg
Odor Threshold Low
40 ppm
Odor Threshold High
1161 ppm
Lethal Concentration
LC50 (rat) = 7,551 ppm/8H
Explanatory Notes
Detection odor threshold from AIHA (mean = 1160 ppm); Flash point = 12.8 deg C; VP from HSDB;
Half Life
Whole body: 15-32 hours; [TDR, p. 23]
NFPA
may ignite at ambient temp
Adverse Effects
Hepatotoxin
Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion
Reproductive Toxin
Yes
ACGIH Carcinogen
Not Classifiable
Other Poison
Chemical Asphyxiant
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:
Processes
Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:
Activities
Activities with risk of exposure: