Methylacrylonitrile
Agent Name
Methylacrylonitrile
Alternative Name
Methacrylonitrile
CAS Number
126-98-7
Formula
C4-H5-N
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
Category
Nitriles
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."
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Skin Designation (ACGIH)
Yes
TIH
Yes
TLV (ACGIH)
1 ppm
IDLH (NIOSH)
4 ppm
Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs
Acute inhalation toxicity is similar to acrylonitrile; [ACGIH]
Vapor Pressure
71 mm Hg
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
Adverse Effects
Skin Sensitizer
Yes
Lachrymator
Yes
ACGIH Carcinogen
Not Classifiable
Other Poison
Chemical Asphyxiant
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent: