Acetone cyanohydrin

Synonyms

Cyanohydrin-2-propanone; 2-Cyano-2-propanol; alpha-Hydroxyisobutyronitrile; 2-Hydroxy-2-methyl-propionitrile; 2-Methyllactonitrile; [NIOSH] UN1541

Category

Nitriles

Description

Colorless liquid with a faint odor of bitter almond. (Note: Forms cyanide in the body.) [NIOSH]

Sources/Uses

Used to manufacture insecticides, methyl methacrylate, and other organic chemicals; [HSDB]

Comments

Liquid causes first degree burns on short exposure; [CHRIS] When heated to 248 degrees F. or to lower temperatures under alkaline conditions, acetone cyanohydrin will decompose, releasing hydrogen cyanide. Hepatic necrosis is seen in rats fed 5 mg twice a week for 3 to 8 months. A lachrymator; [HSDB] At room temperature, it rapidly reaches harmful concentrations and can cause asphyxiation and death. [ICSC] Rats survive 5 minute exposures to saturated concentrations. [CHEMINFO] Occupational fatalities have occurred after accidental splashing of the face and clothing; [AIHA] See "NITRILES."

Biomedical References

Yes

Yes

Yes

5 mg/m3, as CN

1.1 mm Hg

3 ppm

LCLo (rat) = 63 ppm/4h

Explanatory Notes

Flash Point = 165 deg F; Odor threshold (recognition); [CHEMINFO] Not TIH in land-based spills, but TiH substance released when spilled in water; [ERG 2016] VP from HSDB;

Reference Link #2

high ambient temp required

TWA = 2 ppm, STEL = 5 ppm

Yes

Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Skin burns

Other Poison

Chemical Asphyxiant

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Asphyxiation, chemical

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Toxic Gas from Spilling Chemical in Water