NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

Acetonitrile CAS 75-05-8
CH3CN RTECS AL7700000
Synonyms & Trade Names
Cyanomethane, Ethyl nitrile, Methyl cyanide [Note: Forms cyanide in the body.]
DOT ID & Guide
1648 131
Exposure
Limits
NIOSH REL: TWA 20 ppm (34 mg/m3)
OSHA PEL�: TWA 40 ppm (70 mg/m3)
IDLH 500 ppm Conversion 1 ppm = 1.68 mg/m3
Physical Description
Colorless liquid with an aromatic odor.
MW: 41.1
BP: 179°F
FRZ: -49°F
Sol: Miscible
VP: 73 mmHg
IP: 12.20 eV

Sp.Gr: 0.78
Fl.P(oc): 42°F
UEL: 16.0%
LEL: 3.0%

Class IB Flammable Liquid: Fl.P. below 73�F and BP at or above 100�F.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Strong oxidizers
Measurement Methods
NIOSH 1606
Personal Protection & Sanitation
Skin: Prevent skin contact
Eyes: Prevent eye contact
Wash skin: When contaminated
Remove: When wet (flammable)
Change: No recommendation
Provide: Quick drench
First Aid (See procedures)
Eye: Irrigate immediately
Skin: Water flush immediately
Breathing: Respiratory support
Swallow: Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations NIOSH
Up to 200 ppm: (APF = 10) Any chemical cartridge respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s)/(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator
Up to 500 ppm: (APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode/(APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s)/(APF = 50) Any chemical cartridge respirator with a full facepiece and organic vapor cartridge(s)/(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister/(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece/(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece
Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions: (APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode/(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape: (APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister/Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
Exposure Routes inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms Irritation nose, throat; asphyxia; nausea, vomiting; chest pain; lassitude (weakness, exhaustion); stupor, convulsions; in animals: liver, kidney damage
Target Organs respiratory system, cardiovascular system, central nervous system, liver, kidneys
See also: INTRODUCTION