Malononitrile
Agent Name
Malononitrile
CAS Number
109-77-3
Formula
C3-H2-N2
Major Category
Nitrogen Compounds
Synonyms
Cyanoacetonitrile; Dicyanomethane; Dwumetylosulfotlenku [Polish]; Malonic acid dinitrile; Malonic dinitrile; Malonodinitrile; Methane, dicyano-; Methylene cyanide; Methylenecyanide; Methylenedinitrile; Nitril kyseliny malonove [Czech]; Nitrile kyseliny malonove [Czech]; Propanedinitrile; Propanedinitrite; [ChemIDplus] UN2647
Category
Nitriles
Description
White powder or colorless crystals; Note: Melts above 90 degrees F. Forms cyanide in the body; [NIOSH]
Sources/Uses
Used in organic synthesis of thiamine, an anti-cancer drug, acrylic fibers, and dyes; used as a leaching agent for gold; [HSDB]
Comments
The toxicity of this compound is due to liver metabolism and the release of cyanide. Animals show liver injury after subcutaneous doses. [HSDB] A severe irritant of the skin and eyes; Violent polymerization may occur if heated above 266 deg F or contacts strong bases at lower temperatures; [CAMEO] See "NITRILES."
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Vapor Pressure
0.2 mm Hg
Lethal Concentration
LC50 (rat) = 200-300 mg/m3/2H
Explanatory Notes
NIOSH REL = 3 ppm; Flash point = 266 deg F; VP from HSDB;
Adverse Effects
Hepatotoxin
Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion
Other Poison
Chemical Asphyxiant
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Other Information
No other related information on this agent was found.