# NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
Acrylonitrile | CAS 107-13-1
CH2=CHCN | RTECS AT5250000
Synonyms & Trade Names Acrylonitrile monomer, AN, Cyanoethylene, Propenenitrile, 2-Propenenitrile, VCN, Vinyl cyanide | DOT ID & Guide 1093 131P (inhibited)
Exposure Limits | NIOSH REL: Ca TWA 1 ppm C 10 ppm [15-minute] [skin] See Appendix A
OSHA PEL: [1910.1045] TWA 2 ppm C 10 ppm [15-minute] [skin]
IDLH Ca [85 ppm] | Conversion 1 ppm = 2.17 mg/m3
Physical Description Colorless to pale-yellow liquid with an unpleasant odor. [Note: Odor can only be detected above the PEL.]
MW: 53.1 | BP: 171°F | FRZ: -116°F | Sol: 7%
VP: 83 mmHg | IP: 10.91 eV |  | Sp.Gr: 0.81
Fl.P: 30°F | UEL: 17% | LEL: 3.0% |
Class IB Flammable Liquid: Fl.P. below 73°F and BP at or above 100°F.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities Strong oxidizers, acids & alkalis; bromine; amines [Note: Unless inhibited (usually with methylhydroquinone), may polymerize spontaneously or when heated or in presence of strong alkali. Attacks copper.]
Measurement Methods NIOSH 1604; OSHA 37
Personal Protection & Sanitation Skin: Prevent skin contact Eyes: Prevent eye contact Wash skin: When contaminated Remove: When wet (flammable) Change: No recommendation 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 At concentrations above the NIOSH REL, or where there is no REL, at any detectable concentration: (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; asphyxia; headache; sneezing; nausea, vomiting; lassitude (weakness, exhaustion), dizziness; skin vesiculation; scaling dermatitis; [potential occupational carcinogen]
Target Organs Eyes, skin, cardiovascular system, liver, kidneys, central nervous system Cancer Site [brain tumors, lung & bowel cancer]
See also: INTRODUCTION