Agent Name
Methylacrylonitrile
Alternative Name
Methacrylonitrile
Major Category
Nitrogen Compounds
Synonyms
Methacrylonitrile; 2-Cyanopropene-1; 2-Methyl-2-propenenitrile; 2-Methylacrylonitrile; 2-Methylpropenenitrile; 2-Propenenitrile, 2-methyl-; Isopropene cyanide; Isopropenylnitrile; Methylacrylonitrile; [ChemIDplus] UN3079
Description
Colorless liquid with an odor like bitter almonds; [NIOSH]
Sources/Uses
Used in synthesis of plastic elastomers, coatings, and other organic chemicals; [ACGIH]
Comments
Inhalation toxicity is comparable to that of acrylonitrile; Causes paralysis of hind limbs and seizures in dogs exposed to 13.5 ppm for 90 days; [ACGIH] An eye and respiratory tract irritant; Can cause cyanide poisoning; [ICSC] A skin sensitizer; [Quick CPC] A lachrymator; [HSDB] Methacrylonitrile, stabilized (UN3079) has warning of explosive polymerization; [ERG 2016] See "NITRILES."
Skin Designation (ACGIH)
Yes
Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs
Acute inhalation toxicity is similar to acrylonitrile; [ACGIH]
Odor Threshold Low
6.9 ppm
Lethal Concentration
LC50 (rat) = 328 ppm/4h
Explosive Polymerization
Yes
Explanatory Notes
Detection odor threshold from AIHA (mean = 6.9 ppm); Flash point = 13 deg C; VP from HSDB;
NFPA
may ignite at ambient temp
ACGIH Carcinogen
Not Classifiable
Other Poison
Chemical Asphyxiant
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent: