Lactonitrile(78-97-7)
Product Identification
Product Name
Lactonitrile
Synonyms
2-Hydroxypropionitrile
Acetocyanohydrin
alpha-Hydroxypropionitrile
Ethylidene cyanohydrin
Lactonitrile
CAS
78-97-7
Formula
C3H5NO
Molecular Weight
71.069999999999993
EINECS
201-163-2
RTECS
OD8225000
RTECS Class
Other
Beilstein/Gmelin
605366
Beilstein Reference
3-03-00-00451
Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance
Straw colored liquid.
Solubility in water
Very soluble
Melting Point
<-21
Boiling Point
182
Vapor Pressure
0.22 (25 C)
Density
1.005 g/cm3 (0 C)
pKa/pKb
11.38 (pKa)
Partition Coefficient
-.94
Heat Of Vaporization
48.8 kJ/mol
Usage
Solvent, intermediate in production of ethyl acetate and lactic acid.
Vapor Density
2.45
Odor threshold
.
Refractive Index
1.40374 (18.4 C)
First Aid Measures
Ingestion
The possible benefit of early removal of some ingested material by cautious gastric lavage must be weighed against potential complications of bleeding or perforation. Activated charcoal activated charcoal binds most toxic agents and can decrease their systemic absorption if administered soon after ingestion. Activated charcoal: administer charcoal as a slurry (240 ml water/30 g charcoal). Usual dose: 25 to 100 g in adults/adolescents.
Inhalation
Move patient to fresh air. Monitor for respiratory distress. If cough or difficulty breathing develops, evaluate for respiratory tract irritation, bronchitis, or pneumonitis. Administer oxygen and assist ventilation as required. Treat bronchospasm with beta2 agonist and corticosteroid aerosols.
Skin
Remove contaminated clothing and wash exposed area thoroughly with soap and water. A physician should examine the area if irritation or pain persists. Lactonitrile can be absorbed and cause systemic cyanide poisoning by the dermal route. Systemic cyanide poisoning - it is possible that systemic cyanide poisoning may occur following significant dermal exposure.
Eyes
Irrigate exposed eyes with copious amounts of tepid water for at least 15 minutes. If irritation, pain, swelling, lacrimation, or photophobia persist, the patient should be seen in a health care facility. Systemic cyanide poisoning - no reports of systemic cyanide in humans exposed to lactonitrile by the ocular route have been reported. However, administration of small quantities by the ocular route in animals is rapidly lethal. Patients exposed by this route should be observed for several hours in a controlled setting for the possible development of symptoms of cyanide poisoning. Treatment should include recommendations listed in the inhalation exposure section when appropriate.
Handling and Storage
Storage
Keep in a cool, dry, dark location in a tightly sealed container or cylinder. Keep away from incompatible materials, ignition sources and untrained individuals. Secure and label area. Protect containers/cylinders from physical damage.
Handling
All chemicals should be considered hazardous. Avoid direct physical contact. Use appropriate, approved safety equipment. Untrained individuals should not handle this chemical or its container. Handling should occur in a chemical fume hood.
Hazards Identification
Inhalation
Hyperpnea and tachypnea may be noted initially. Hypoventilation progressing to apnea may be seen in the later phases and is a major cause of death.
Skin
Lactonitrile can be absorbed through intact skin, leading to systemic cyanide poisoning.
Eyes
Dilated pupils are common. Corneal edema may be seen. Retinal arteries and veins that appear equally red on funduscopic examination suggest the diagnosis. Accidental eye contamination with cyanide compounds may produce systemic symptoms.
Ingestion
Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain may occur, especially after ingestion.
Hazards
Cyanide fumes released when heated to decomposition. Avoid alkali, oxidizing material.
Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
Personal Protection
Chemical splash goggles in compliance with OSHA regulations are advised; however, OSHA regulations also permit other type safety glasses. Whre chemical resistant gloves. To prevent repeated or prolonged skin contact, wear impervious clothing and boots.
Respirators
Use NIOSH/MSHA approved respirator appropriate for exposure of concern.
Exposure Effects
Initial presentation of cyanide poisoning may include hyperpnea and rapid breathing. Hypoventilation progressing to apnea may be seen in the later phases and is a major cause of death. Rapid heart rate and elevated blood pressure may be seen. Low heart rate and abnormally low blood pressure are seen in the late phases of cyanide poisoning. Headache, CNS stimulation with anxiety, agitation, and combative behavior, coma, and seizures may be seen. Most victims of acute poisoning either die acutely or fully recover.
Exposure limit(s)
OSHA: PEL (8 h TWA): 5 mg/m3.
Poison Class
3
Accidental Release Measures
Small spills/leaks
Caution : Lactonitrile toxicity can occur via ingestion, dermal/eye contact, or ingestion; death may occur within minutes. IMMEDIATELY begin administering 100% oxygen and rush victims to a health care facility. Toxic hydrogen cyanide gas may be released upon contact with alkali or when heated to decomposition. Do not breathe vapors or touch spilled material.