Acrylonitrile
Synonyms & Trade Names
Acrylonitrile monomer, AN, Cyanoethylene, Propenenitrile, 2-Propenenitrile, VCN, Vinyl cyanide
Exposure Limits
NIOSH REL
Ca TWA 1 ppm C 10 ppm [15-minute] [skin] See Appendix AOSHA PEL
[1910.1045] TWA 2 ppm C 10 ppm [15-minute] [skin]Measurement Methods
Physical Description
Colorless to pale-yellow liquid with an unpleasant odor.
[Note: Odor can only be detected above the PEL.]
Molecular Weight
53.1
Boiling Point
171°F
Freezing Point
-116°F
Solubility
7%
Vapor Pressure
83 mmHg
Ionization Potential
10.91 eV
Specific Gravity
0.81
Flash Point
30°F
Upper Explosive Limit
17%
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, acids & alkalis; bromine; amines
[Note: Unless inhibited (usually with methylhydroquinone), may polymerize spontaneously or when heated or in presence of strong alkali. Attacks copper.]
Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
irritation eyes, skin; asphyxia; headache; sneezing; nausea, vomiting; lassitude (weakness, exhaustion), dizziness; skin vesiculation; scaling dermatitis; [potential occupational carcinogen]
Target Organs
Eyes, skin, cardiovascular system, liver, kidneys, central nervous system
Cancer Site
[brain tumors, lung & bowel cancer]
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:Eyewash, Quick drench
Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated
Remove:When wet (flammable)
Change:No recommendation
Provide:Eyewash, Quick drench
First Aid
(See procedures)
Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Water wash immediately
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Water wash immediately
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH
At concentrations above the NIOSH REL, or where there is no REL, at any detectable concentration:
(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
See also
Page last reviewed: October 30, 2019
Content
source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health