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Acetone cyanohydrin

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Synonyms & Trade Names
Cyanohydrin-2-propanone, 2-Cyano-2-propanol, α-Hydroxyisobutyronitrile, 2-Hydroxy-2-methyl-propionitrile, 2-Methyllactonitrile
CAS No.
75-86-5
RTECS No.
OD9275000
DOT ID & Guide
1541 155(stabilized)
Formula
CH₃C(OH)CNCH₃
Conversion
1 ppm = 3.48 mg/m3
IDLH
N.D.
See: IDLH INDEX
Exposure Limits
NIOSH REL
C 1 ppm (4 mg/m3) [15-minute]
OSHA PEL
none
Measurement Methods
NIOSH 2506
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Physical Description
Colorless liquid with a faint odor of bitter almond. [Note: Forms cyanide in the body.]
Molecular Weight
85.1
Boiling Point
203°F
Freezing Point
-4°F
Solubility
Miscible
Vapor Pressure
0.8 mmHg
Ionization Potential
?
Specific Gravity
(77°F): 0.93
Flash Point
165°F
Upper Explosive Limit
12.0%
Lower Explosive Limit
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.]
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
Personal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)
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

Important additional information about respirator selection

See also
INTRODUCTION   ICSC CARD: 0611
Page last reviewed: October 30, 2019
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health