How much acetonitrile is toxic?
Basis for revised IDLH: The revised IDLH for acetonitrile is 500 ppm based on acute inhalation toxicity data in humans [Deichmann and Gerarde 1969]. This may be a conservative value due to the lack of relevant acute toxicity data for workers exposed to concentrations above 500 ppm.
Is acetonitrile poisonous?
Acetonitrile is a toxic, colorless liquid with an ether-like odor and a sweet, burnt taste. It is an extremely dangerous substance and must be handled with caution as it can cause severe health effects and/or death.
What happens if you get acetonitrile on your skin?
Acetonitrile is severely irritating to the eyes and slightly irritating to the skin. Prolonged contact can lead to absorption through the skin and more intense irritation. Acetonitrile is regarded as having adequate warning properties.
Is acetonitrile a cyanide?
Acetonitrile is a nitrile that is hydrogen cyanide in which the hydrogen has been replaced by a methyl group. It has a role as a polar aprotic solvent and an EC 3.5. 1.4 (amidase) inhibitor. It is an aliphatic nitrile and a volatile organic compound.
How does formaldehyde affect the body?
When formaldehyde is present in the air at levels exceeding 0.1 ppm, some individuals may experience adverse effects such as watery eyes; burning sensations in the eyes, nose, and throat; coughing; wheezing; nausea; and skin irritation.
What is the common name of acetonitrile?
Acetonitrile
| Names | |
|---|---|
| Other names Cyanomethane Ethyl nitrile Methanecarbonitrile Methyl cyanide MeCN | |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 75-05-8 |
| 3D model (JSmol) | Interactive image |
Is acetonitrile organic?
Acetonitrile, often abbreviated MeCN (methyl cyanide), is the chemical compound with the formula CH3CN. This colourless liquid is the simplest organic nitrile (hydrogen cyanide is a simpler nitrile, but the cyanide anion is not classed as organic). It is produced mainly as a byproduct of acrylonitrile manufacture.
Where does acetonitrile come from?
It is produced mainly as a byproduct of acrylonitrile manufacture. It is used as a polar aprotic solvent in organic synthesis and in the purification of butadiene. The N≡C−C skeleton is linear with a short C≡N distance of 1.16 Å. Acetonitrile was first prepared in 1847 by the French chemist Jean-Baptiste Dumas.
Are there any cases of acetonitrile poisoning in humans?
Cases of acetonitrile poisoning in humans (or, to be more specific, of cyanide poisoning after exposure to acetonitrile) are rare but not unknown, by inhalation, ingestion and (possibly) by skin absorption.
Which is more toxic hydrogen cyanide or acetonitrile?
Acetonitrile has only modest toxicity in small doses. It can be metabolised to produce hydrogen cyanide, which is the source of the observed toxic effects. Generally the onset of toxic effects is delayed, due to the time required for the body to metabolize acetonitrile to cyanide (generally about 2–12 hours).
What are the physical properties of acetonitrile?
Physical Properties. Acetonitrile is a clear colorless liquid with a sweet ethereal odor. (1,8) Acetonitrile has an odor threshold of 170 ppm. (9) Acetonitrile is very soluble in water and is quite flammable.
What’s the odor threshold for acetonitrile in water?
Acetonitrile has an odor threshold of 170 ppm. (9) Acetonitrile is very soluble in water and is quite flammable. (9) The chemical formula for acetonitrile is C 2 H 3 N, and the molecular weight is 41.05 g/mol. (1) The vapor pressure for acetonitrile is 74 mm Hg at 20 °C, and it has an octanol/water partition coefficient (log K ow) of -0.34. (1)