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Acetonitrile

Synonyms & Trade Names
Cyanomethane, Ethyl nitrile, Methyl cyanide [Note: Forms cyanide in the body.]
CAS No.
75-05-8
RTECS No.
AL7700000
DOT ID & Guide
1648 127
Formula
CH₃CN
Conversion
1 ppm = 1.68 mg/m3
IDLH
500 ppm
See: 75058
Exposure Limits
NIOSH REL
TWA 20 ppm (34 mg/m3)
OSHA PEL
TWA 40 ppm (70 mg/m3) See Appendix G
Measurement Methods
NIOSH 1606
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Physical Description
Colorless liquid with an aromatic odor.
Molecular Weight
41.1
Boiling Point
179°F
Freezing Point
-49°F
Solubility
Miscible
Vapor Pressure
73 mmHg
Ionization Potential
12.20 eV
Specific Gravity
0.78
Flash Point
(oc) 42°F
Upper Exposive Limit
16.0%
Lower Explosive Limit
3.0%
Class IB Flammable Liquid: Fl.P. below 73°F and BP at or above 100°F.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Strong oxidizers
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
Personal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)
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

Important additional information about respirator selection

See also
INTRODUCTION   ICSC CARD: 0088   MEDICAL TESTS: 0003

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