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ACETONITRILEICSC: 0088 (June 2011)
Methyl cyanide
Cyanomethane
Ethanenitrile
Methanecarbonitrile
CAS #: 75-05-8
UN #: 1648
EC Number: 200-835-2

  ACUTE HAZARDS PREVENTION FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE & EXPLOSION Highly flammable. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.  Vapour/air mixtures are explosive. Risk of fire and explosion on contact with strong oxidants. Heating will cause rise in pressure with risk of bursting.  NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking. NO contact with hot surfaces or strong oxidizing agents.  Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Do NOT use compressed air for filling, discharging, or handling. Use non-sparking handtools.  Use powder, foam, carbon dioxide. Water may be ineffective.  In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water. 

 PREVENT GENERATION OF MISTS! STRICT HYGIENE! IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR! 
  SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID
Inhalation Sore throat. Weakness. Chest tightness. Shortness of breath. Dizziness. Nausea. Vomiting. Convulsions. Unconsciousness. Symptoms may be delayed.  Use ventilation, local exhaust or breathing protection.  Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. No mouth-to-mouth artificial respiration. Refer immediately for medical attention. See Notes. 
Skin EASILY ABSORBED!  Protective gloves. Protective clothing.  Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention . 
Eyes Redness. Pain.  Wear face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.  Rinse with plenty of water (remove contact lenses if easily possible). Refer immediately for medical attention. 
Ingestion See Inhalation.  Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.  Rinse mouth. Give one or two glasses of water to drink. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer immediately for medical attention. 

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL CLASSIFICATION & LABELLING
Consult an expert! Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus. Ventilation. Remove all ignition sources. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in dry sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. 

According to UN GHS Criteria

flam;flameskull;toxiccancer;health haz
DANGER
Highly flammable liquid and vapour
Toxic in contact with skin or if inhaled
Harmful if swallowed
Causes serious eye irritation
May be harmful if swallowed and enters airways
May cause damage to blood through prolonged or repeated exposure 

Transportation
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 3; UN Pack Group: II 

STORAGE
Fireproof. Keep in a well-ventilated room. Separated from acids, bases, strong oxidants and food and feedstuffs. Well closed. 
PACKAGING
 
ACETONITRILE ICSC: 0088
PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION

Physical State; Appearance
COLOURLESS LIQUID WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR. 

Physical dangers
The vapour mixes well with air, explosive mixtures are easily formed. 

Chemical dangers
Decomposes on heating or on burning and on contact with hot surfaces. This produces toxic fumes including hydrogen cyanide and nitrogen oxides. Reacts violently with strong oxidants. This generates fire and explosion hazard. Reacts with acids and bases. This produces toxic and flammable hydrogen cyanide. Attacks some forms of plastic, rubber and coatings. 

Formula: C2H3N / CH3CN
Molecular mass: 41.0
Boiling point: 82°C
Melting point: -46°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.8
Solubility in water, g/100ml at 20°C: 1390 (very good)
Vapour pressure, kPa at 25°C: 9.9
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 1.4
Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.04
Flash point: 2°C c.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: 524°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 3.0-17
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: -0.3
Viscosity: 0.35 cP at 20°C 


EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour, through the skin and by ingestion. 

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is irritating to the eyes. The substance may cause effects on the cellular respiration (inhibition). This may result in convulsions and respiratory failure. Exposure far above the OEL could cause death. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated. 

Inhalation risk
A harmful contamination of the air can be reached rather quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C. 

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
The substance may have effects on the blood. This may result in anaemia. The substance may have effects on the kidneys, liver and thyroid. This may result in impaired functions. 


OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS
TLV: 20 ppm as TWA; (skin); A4 (not classifiable as a human carcinogen).
MAK: 17 mg/m3, 10 ppm; peak limitation category: II(2); skin absorption (H); pregnancy risk group: C.
EU-OEL: 70 mg/m3, 40 ppm as TWA; (skin) 

ENVIRONMENT
Environmental effects of the substance have been adequately investigated, but no significant effects have been found. 

NOTES
Specific treatment is necessary in case of poisoning with this substance; the appropriate means with instructions must be available.
Oxygen should be administered exclusively by specially trained first aid or medical personnel.
Do NOT take working clothes home. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
  EC Classification
Symbol: F, Xn; R: 11-20/21/22-36; S: (2)-16-36/37 

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    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       Acetonitrile (EHC 154, 1993)