# NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
Acetone cyanohydrin | CAS 75-86-5
CH3C(OH)CNCH3 | RTECS OD9275000
Synonyms & Trade Names Cyanohydrin-2-propanone, 2-Cyano-2-propanol, alpha-Hydroxyisobutyronitrile, 2-Hydroxy-2-methyl-propionitrile, 2-Methyllactonitrile | DOT ID & Guide 1541 155 (stabilized)
Exposure Limits | NIOSH REL: C 1 ppm (4 mg/m3) [15-minute]
OSHA PEL: none
IDLH N.D. | Conversion 1 ppm = 3.48 mg/m3
Physical Description Colorless liquid with a faint odor of bitter almond. [Note: Forms cyanide in the body.]
MW: 85.1 | BP: 203°F | FRZ: -4°F | Sol: Miscible
VP: 0.8 mmHg | IP: ? |  | Sp.Gr(77°F): 0.93
Fl.P: 165°F | UEL: 12.0% | LEL: 2.2% |
Class IIIA Combustible Liquid: Fl.P. at or above 140°F and below 200°F.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities Sulfuric acid, caustics [Note: Slowly decomposes to acetone & HCN at room temperatures; rate is accelerated by an increase in pH, water content, or temperature.]
Measurement Methods NIOSH 2506
Personal Protection & Sanitation Skin: Prevent skin contact Eyes: Prevent eye contact Wash skin: When contaminated Remove: When wet or contaminated Change: No recommendation Provide: Eyewash, 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 10 ppm: (APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator Up to 25 ppm: (APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode Up to 50 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; dizziness, lassitude (weakness, exhaustion), headache, confusion, convulsions; liver, kidney injury; pulmonary edema, asphyxia
Target Organs Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system, cardiovascular system, liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract
See also: INTRODUCTION