# NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
Propionitrile | CAS 107-12-0
CH3CH2CN | RTECS UF9625000
Synonyms & Trade Names Cyanoethane, Ethyl cyanide, Propanenitrile, Propionic nitrile, Propiononitrile | DOT ID & Guide 2404 131
Exposure Limits | NIOSH REL: TWA 6 ppm (14 mg/m3)
OSHA PEL: none
IDLH N.D. | Conversion 1 ppm = 2.25 mg/m3
Physical Description Colorless liquid with a pleasant, sweetish, ethereal odor. [Note: Forms cyanide in the body.]
MW: 55.1 | BP: 207°F | FRZ: -133°F | Sol: 11.9%
VP: 35 mmHg | IP: 11.84 eV |  | Sp.Gr: 0.78
Fl.P: 36°F | UEL: ? | LEL: 3.1% |
Class IB Flammable Liquid: Fl.P. below 73°F and BP at or above 100°F.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities Strong oxidizers & reducing agents, strong acids & bases [Note: Hydrogen cyanide is produced when propionitrile is heated to decomposition.]
Measurement Methods NIOSH 1606 (adapt)
Personal Protection & Sanitation Skin: Prevent skin contact Eyes: Prevent eye contact Wash skin: When contaminated Remove: When wet or contaminated 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 60 ppm: (APF = 10) Any chemical cartridge respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s)/(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator Up to 150 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) Up to 300 ppm: (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 powered, air-purifying respirator with a tight-fitting facepiece and organic vapor cartridge(s)/(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece/(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece Up to 1000 ppm: (APF = 2000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode 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 eyes, skin, respiratory system; nausea, vomiting; chest pain; lassitude (weakness, exhaustion); stupor, convulsions; in animals: liver, kidney damage
Target Organs Eyes, skin, respiratory system, cardiovascular system, central nervous system, liver, kidneys
See also: INTRODUCTION