Propionitrile

Synonyms & Trade Names
Cyanoethane, Ethyl cyanide, Propanenitrile, Propionic nitrile, Propiononitrile
CAS No.
107-12-0
RTECS No.
DOT ID & Guide
2404 131
Formula
CH₃CH₂CN
Conversion
1 ppm = 2.25 mg/m3
IDLH
N.D.
See: IDLH INDEX
Exposure Limits
NIOSH REL
TWA 6 ppm (14 mg/m3)
OSHA PEL
none
Measurement Methods
NIOSH 1606 (adapt)
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Physical Description
Colorless liquid with a pleasant, sweetish, ethereal odor. [Note: Forms cyanide in the body.]
Molecular Weight
55.1
Boiling Point
207°F
Freezing Point
-133°F
Solubility
11.9%
Vapor Pressure
35 mmHg
Ionization Potential
11.84 eV
Specific Gravity
0.78
Flash Point
36°F
Upper Explosive Limit
?
Lower Explosive Limit
3.1%
Class IB Flammable Liquid: Fl.P. below 73°F and BP at or above 100°F.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Strong oxidizers & reducing agents, strong acids & bases [Note: Hydrogen cyanide is produced when propionitrile is heated to decomposition.]
Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
irritation eyes, skin, respiratory system; nausea, vomiting; chest pain; lassitude (weakness, exhaustion); stupor, convulsions; In Animals: liver, kidney damage
Target Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system, cardiovascular system, central nervous system, liver, kidneys
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: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 60 ppm:
(APF = 10) Any chemical cartridge respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s)
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator

Up to 150 ppm:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode
(APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s)

Up to 300 ppm:
(APF = 50) Any chemical cartridge respirator with a full facepiece and organic vapor cartridge(s)
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister
(APF = 50) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with a tight-fitting facepiece and organic vapor cartridge(s)
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece

Up to 1000 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: 0320
Page last reviewed: October 30, 2019