# NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
Glycolonitrile | CAS 107-16-4
HOCH2CN | RTECS AM0350000
Synonyms & Trade Names Cyanomethanol, Formaldehyde cyanohydrin, Glycolic nitrile, Glyconitrile, Hydroxyacetonitrile | DOT ID & Guide
Exposure Limits | NIOSH REL: C 2 ppm (5 mg/m3) [15-minute]
OSHA PEL: none
IDLH N.D. | Conversion 1 ppm = 2.34 mg/m3
Physical Description Colorless, odorless, oily liquid. [Note: Forms cyanide in the body.]
MW: 57.1 | BP: 361°F (Decomposes) | FRZ: <-98°F | Sol: Soluble
VP(145°F): 1 mmHg | IP: ? |  | Sp.Gr(66°F): 1.10
Fl.P: ? | UEL: ? | LEL: ? |
Combustible Liquid
Incompatibilities & Reactivities Traces of alkalis (promote violent polymerization)
Measurement Methods None available
Personal Protection & Sanitation Skin: Prevent skin contact Eyes: Prevent eye contact Wash skin: When contaminated Remove: When wet or contaminated Change: Daily Provide: Eyewash, Quick drench | First Aid (See procedures) Eye: Irrigate immediately Skin: Water wash immediately Breathing: Respiratory support Swallow: Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations NIOSH Up to 20 ppm: (APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator Up to 50 ppm: (APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode Up to 100 ppm: (APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece/(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece Up to 250 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; headache, dizziness, lassitude (weakness, exhaustion), confusion, convulsions; dyspnea (breathing difficulty); abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting
Target Organs Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system, cardiovascular system
See also: INTRODUCTION