2-Hydroxy-2-methylpropionitrile(75-86-5)
Product Identification
Product Name
2-Hydroxy-2-methylpropionitrile
Synonyms
2-Cyanopropan-2-ol
2-Hydroxy-2-methylpropanenitrile
2-Hydroxy-2-methylpropionitrile
2-Methyl-lactonitrile
alpha-Hydroxyisobutyronitrile
CAS
75-86-5
Formula
C4H7NO
Molecular Weight
85.11
EINECS
200-909-4
RTECS
OD9275000
RTECS Class
Other
Merck
13,68
Beilstein/Gmelin
605391
Beilstein Reference
4-03-00-00785
EC Index Number
608-004-00-X
EC Class
Very toxic; Dangerous for the Environment
Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance
Clear, colorless liquid with a distinct, strong almond odor.
Solubility in water
Very soluble
Melting Point
-19
Boiling Point
167
Vapor Pressure
0.6 (25 C)
Density
0.932 g/cm3 (19 C)
pKa/pKb
11.45 (pKa)
Partition Coefficient
-.55
Heat Of Vaporization
47.0 kJ/mol
Usage
Acetone cyanohydrin is used as a raw material for insecticide manufacture and also to produce ethyl alpha-hydroxyisobutyrate, a pharmaceutical intermediate. It has been used as a complexing agent for metals refining and separation. Acetone cyanohydrin is also used as a reagent in the formation of aldehyde cyanohydrins from aldehydes and in combination with a potassium cyanide-crown ether complex and it acts as an effective, stereoselective hydrocyanating reagent.
Saturation Concentration
1053 ppm (0.1%) at 20 C (calculated)
Vapor Density
2.93
Refractive Index
1.40002 (19 C)
First Aid Measures
Ingestion
Do NOT induce vomiting. If victim is conscious and alert, give 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical aid immediately.
Inhalation
Get medical aid immediately. Remove from exposure to fresh air immediately. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. DO NOT use mouth-to-mouth respiration. If breathing has ceased apply artificial respiration using oxygen and a suitable mechanical device such as a bag and a mask.
Skin
Flush skin with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Discard contaminated clothing in a manner which limits further exposure. SPEEDY ACTION IS CRITICAL!
Eyes
Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical aid immediately.
Handling and Storage
Storage
Keep away from heat, sparks, and flame. Keep away from sources of ignition. Store in a cool, dry place. Store in a tightly closed container. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances.
Handling
Wash thoroughly after handling. Wash hands before eating. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. Use only in a well ventilated area. Empty containers retain product residue, (liquid and/or vapor), and can be dangerous. Keep container tightly closed. Avoid contact with heat, sparks and flame. Do not get on skin or in eyes. Do not ingest or inhale. Do not pressurize, cut, weld, braze, solder, drill, grind, or expose empty containers to heat, sparks or open flames.
Hazards Identification
Inhalation
May cause respiratory tract irritation. May cause liver and kidney damage. Aspiration may lead to pulmonary edema. May be metabolized to cyanide which in turns act by inhibiting cytochrome oxidase impairing cellular respiration. Inhalation may result in symptoms similar to cyanide poisoning which includes unconsciousness and death. Inhalation at high concentrations may cause CNS depression and asphixiation.
Skin
May be fatal if absorbed through the skin. May be metabolized to cyanide which in turn acts by inhibiting cytochrome oxidase impairing cellular respiration. May cause irritation and dermatitis. May cause cyanosis of the extremities.
Eyes
May cause eye irritation. May cause chemical conjunctivitis and corneal damage.
Ingestion
May be fatal if swallowed. May cause gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. May cause liver and kidney damage. Metabolism may release cyanide, which may result in headache, dizziness, weakness, collapse, unconsciousness and possible death. Human fatalities have been reported from acute poisoning. Ingestion may result in symptoms similar to cyanide poisoning which is characterized by aspyhxiation.
Hazards
Too dangerous to health to expose fire fighters; a few whiffs of vapor could cause death; vapor or liquid could be fatal on penetrating normal protective clothing. Vapor forms explosive mixture with air. Decomposes when heated to 248F or at lower temperature under alkaline conditions, emitting highly toxic hydrogen cyanide. May react violently with water. Contact with sulfuric acid may cause it to explode.
EC Risk Phrase
R 26/27/28 50/53
EC Safety Phrase
S 7/9 27 45 60 61
UN (DOT)
1541
Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
Personal Protection
Eyes: Wear appropriate protective eyeglasses or chemical safety goggles as described by OSHA's eye and face protection regulations in 29 CFR 1910.133 or European Standard EN166. Skin: Wear appropriate protective gloves to prevent skin exposure. Clothing: Wear appropriate protective clothing to prevent skin exposure.
Respirators
Follow the OSHA respirator regulations found in 29CFR 1910.134 or European Standard EN 149. Always use a NIOSH or European Standard EN 149 approved respirator when necessary.
Exposure Effects
May cause liver and kidney damage. May be metabolized to cyanide which in turn acts by inhibiting cytochrome oxidase impairing cellular respiration.
Exposure limit(s)
TLV: 4.7 ppm; 5 mg/m3 (ceiling values) as CN (skin) (ACGIH 1997). NIOSH REL: C 1 ppm (4 mg/m3) 15-minute
Poison Class
1
Fire Fighting Measures
Flash Point
73.8
Autoignition
687
Fire Fighting
Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full protective gear. Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool. Water may be ineffective. Material is lighter than water and a fire may be spread by the use of water. Combustible Liquid. To extinguish fire, use water, dry chemical, chemical foam, or alcohol-resistant foam. Use water spray to cool fire-exposed containers. Water may be ineffective.
Upper exp. limit
12
Lower exp. limit
2.2
Fire Potential
Slightly flammable. Combustion requires preheating.
Accidental Release Measures
Small spills/leaks
Absorb spill with inert material, (e.g., dry sand or earth), then place into a chemical waste container. Avoid runoff into storm sewers and ditches which lead to waterways. Clean up spills immediately, using the appropriate protective equipment. Remove all sources of ignition. Use a spark-proof tool. Provide ventilation.
Stability and Reactivity
Incompatibilities
Oxidizing agents.
Stability
Stable under normal temperatures and pressures.
Decomposition
Hydrogen cyanide, carbon monoxide, irritating and toxic fumes and gases, carbon dioxide.
Combustion Products
Combustion by-products include: Oxides of nitrogen, hydrogen cyanide.