Acetone cyanohydrin

Agent Name
Acetone cyanohydrin
CAS Number
75-86-5
Formula
C4-H7-N-O
Major Category
Nitrogen Compounds
Acetone cyanohydrin formula graphical representation
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

Exposure Assessment

Skin Designation (ACGIH)
Yes
TIH
Yes
Dangerous When Wet
Yes
Ceiling (ACGIH)
5 mg/m3, as CN
Vapor Pressure
1.1 mm Hg
Odor Threshold Low
3 ppm
Lethal Concentration
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
NFPA
high ambient temp required
WEEL
TWA = 2 ppm, STEL = 5 ppm

Adverse Effects

Lachrymator
Yes
Hepatotoxin
Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion
Dermatotoxin
Skin burns
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: