Propionitrile

Synonyms

Cyanoethane; Ethyl cyanide; Propanenitrile; Propionic nitrile; Propiononitrile; [NIOSH] UN2404

Category

Nitriles

Description

Colorless liquid with a pleasant, sweetish, ethereal odor; Note: Forms cyanide in the body; [NIOSH]

Sources/Uses

Used to produce di-n-propylamine; also used as a solvent and dielectric fluid; [HSDB]

Comments

Propionitrile is an occupational hazard by inhalation or skin contact. A 2 minute exposure to saturated vapor killed all rats. A 4 hour exposure to 500 ppm killed 2 of 6 rats. [HSDB] Very toxic by ingestion; The lethal dose is 5 mg/kg or about 7 drops for an adult. Mild to moderate skin and eye irritant; [CAMEO] See "NITRILES."

Biomedical References

47.4 mm Hg

LCLo (rat) = 500 ppm/4h

Explanatory Notes

NIOSH REL = 6 ppm; Flash point = 2 deg C; VP from HSDB; 2024 Notice of Intended Changes (NIC); [ACGIH TLVs and BEIs]

may ignite at ambient temp

Other Poison

Chemical Asphyxiant

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Asphyxiation, chemical