Comments
Nitriles are organic compounds that contain the cyanide group. In the body, aliphatic nitriles are metabolized and can cause cyanide poisoning. [LaDou, p. 493] Nitriles with high vapor pressures include acetonitrile, acrylonitrile, isobutyronitrile, methylacrylonitrile, butyronitrile, and propionitrile. Skin absorption is a significant hazard for many nitriles. Of those evaluated by ACGIH, only acetonitrile and m-phthalodinitrile were not given the skin designation. M-Phthalodinitrile and benzonitrile are aromatic nitriles. Unlike the aliphatic nitriles, aromatic nitriles such as m-phthalodinitrile do not liberate cyanide in the body. [ACGIH] For possible reproductive effects, see acrylonitrile and acetonitrile. See "CYANIDES."