MSDS Name:   Acetonitrile, Biochemical Synthesis Grade
Synonym:   Cyanomethane; Ethanenitrile; Ethyl nitrile; Methyl cyanide.
Company:   AboutChem.com

**** SECTION 2 - COMPOSITION, INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS ****

+----------------+--------------------------------------+----------+-----------+
| CAS# | Chemical Name | % | EINECS# |
|----------------|--------------------------------------|----------|-----------|
| 75-05-8 |Acetonitrile | ca. 100 | 200-835-2
+----------------+--------------------------------------+----------+-----------+
Hazard Symbols: XN F
Risk Phrases: 11 20/21/22 36

**** SECTION 3 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION ****

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW
Highly flammable. Harmful by inhalation, in contact with skin and if
swallowed. Irritating to eyes.Lachrymator (substance which increases
the flow of tears).Hygroscopic.

Potential Health Effects
Eye:
Causes eye irritation. Lachrymator (substance which increases the
flow of tears). May produce superficial reversible injury.
Skin:
Causes mild skin irritation. Harmful if absorbed through the skin.
May be metabolized to cyanide which in turn acts by inhibiting
cytochrome oxidase impairing cellular respiration.
Ingestion:
May cause gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and
diarrhea. May cause effects similar to those for inhalation
exposure. May cause tissue anoxia, characterized by weakness,
headache, dizziness, confusion, cyanosis (bluish skin due to
deficient oxygenation of the blood), weak and irregular heart beat,
collapse, unconsciousness, convulsions, coma and death. May cause
central nervous system depression. Metabolism may release cyanide,
which may result in headache, dizziness, weakness, collapse,
unconsciousness and possible death.
Inhalation:
Aspiration may lead to pulmonary edema. Vapors may cause dizziness
or suffocation. Causes upper respiratory tract irritation. May be
metabolized to cyanide which in turns act by inhibiting cytochrome
oxidase impairing cellular respiration. May cause tissue anoxia,
characterized by weakness, headache, dizziness, confusion, cyanosis
(bluish discoloration of skin due to deficient oxygenation of the
blood), weak and irregular heart beat, collapse, unconsciousness,
convulsions, coma and death.
Chronic:
Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause dermatitis. Chronic
inhalation and ingestion may cause effects similar to those of acute
inhalation and ingestion. May cause liver and kidney damage. May be
metabolized to cyanide which in turn acts by inhibiting cytochrome
oxidase impairing cellular respiration. Animal studies have reported
that fetal effects/abnormalities may occur when maternal toxicity is
seen. Laboratory experiments have resulted in mutagenic effects.
Exposure to small amounts of cyanide compounds over long periods of
time is reported to cause loss of appetite, headache, weakness,
nausea, dizziness, and symptoms of irritation of the upper
respiratory tract and eyes.

**** SECTION 4 - FIRST AID MEASURES ****

Eyes:
Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes,
occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical aid
immediately. Do NOT allow victim to rub or keep eyes closed.
Skin:
Get medical aid immediately. Immediately flush skin with plenty of
soap and water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated
clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse.
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
resuscitation.
Notes to Physician:
Exposure should be treated as a cyanide poisoning. Effects may be
delayed. For methemoglobinemia, administer oxygen alone or with
Methylene blue depending on the methemoglobinemia concentration in
the blood. May be partially metabolized to cyanide in the body.
Antidote:
Always have a cyanide antidote kit on hand when working with cyanide
compounds. Get medical advice to use. Methylene blue, alone or in
combination with oxygen is indicated as a treatment in nitrite
induced methemoglobinemia.

**** SECTION 5 - FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES ****

General Information:
Containers can build up pressure if exposed to heat and/or fire. As
in any fire, wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in
pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full
protective gear. Water runoff can cause environmental damage. Dike
and collect water used to fight fire. Vapors may form an explosive
mixture with air. During a fire, irritating and highly toxic gases
may be generated by thermal decomposition or combustion. 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. Flammable liquid and vapor. Approach fire from upwind to avoid
hazardous vapors and toxic decomposition products. Vapors are heavier
than air and may travel to a source of ignition and flash back.
Vapors can spread along the ground and collect in low or confined
areas.
Extinguishing Media:
For small fires, use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray or
alcohol-resistant foam. Use water spray to cool fire-exposed
containers. Water may be ineffective. Do NOT use straight streams of
water. For large fires, use dry chemical, carbon dioxide,
alcohol-resistant foam, or water spray. Cool containers with
flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out.

**** SECTION 6 - ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES ****

General Information: Use proper personal protective equipment as indicated
in Section 8.
Spills/Leaks:
Avoid runoff into storm sewers and ditches which lead to waterways.
Clean up spills immediately, observing precautions in the Protective
Equipment section. Remove all sources of ignition. Absorb spill using
an absorbent, non-combustible material such as earth, sand, or
vermiculite. Do not use combustible materials such as saw dust.
Provide ventilation. A vapor suppressing foam may be used to reduce
vapors. Water spray may reduce vapor but may not prevent ignition in
closed spaces. Approach spill from upwind.

**** SECTION 7 - HANDLING and STORAGE ****

Handling:
Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. Use only in a
well-ventilated area. Ground and bond containers when transferring
material. Do not breathe dust, vapor, mist, or gas. Do not get in
eyes, on skin, or on clothing. 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
ingest or inhale. Do not pressurize, cut, weld, braze, solder, drill,
grind, or expose empty containers to heat, sparks or open flames.
Storage:
Keep away from heat, sparks, and flame. Keep away from sources of
ignition. Store in a tightly closed container. Keep from contact
with oxidizing materials. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area
away from incompatible substances. Flammables-area. Store protected
from moisture.

**** SECTION 8 - EXPOSURE CONTROLS, PERSONAL PROTECTION ****

Engineering Controls:
Use explosion-proof ventilation equipment. Facilities storing or
utilizing this material should be equipped with an eyewash facility
and a safety shower. Use adequate general or local exhaust
ventilation to keep airborne concentrations below the permissible
exposure limits.
Personal Protective Equipment

Eyes:
Wear chemical goggles.
Skin:
Wear appropriate protective gloves to prevent skin
exposure.
Clothing:
Wear appropriate protective clothing to prevent skin
exposure.
Respirators:
A respiratory protection program that meets OSHA's 29
CFR 1910.134 and ANSI Z88.2 requirements or European
Standard EN 149 must be followed whenever workplace
conditions warrant a respirator's use.

**** SECTION 9 - PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES ****

Physical State: Liquid
Color: clear, colorless
Odor: sweetish odor - ethereal odor
pH: Not available.
Vapor Pressure: 73 mm Hg
Viscosity: 0.36 cP 20 deg C
Boiling Point: 82 deg C @ 760.00mm Hg
Freezing/Melting Point: -50 deg C
Autoignition Temperature: 524 deg C ( 975.20 deg F)
Flash Point: 6 deg C ( 42.80 deg F)
Explosion Limits, lower: 4.4 vol %
Explosion Limits, upper: 16.00 vol %
Decomposition Temperature: > 500 deg C
Solubility in water: Miscible.
Specific Gravity/Density: .7810g/cm3
Molecular Formula: C2H3N
Molecular Weight: 41.04

**** SECTION 10 - STABILITY AND REACTIVITY ****

Chemical Stability:
Stable under normal temperatures and pressures.
Conditions to Avoid:
Incompatible materials, ignition sources, excess heat, exposure to
moist air or water, oxidizers.
Incompatibilities with Other Materials:
Oxidizing agents, reducing agents, acids, bases, alkali metals,
fluorine, nitric acid, perchlorates, sulfuric acid, chlorosulfonic
acid, oleum, dinitrogen tetraoxide, sulfites, indium, moisture,
Attacks some forms of plastics, rubbers, and coatings., nitrating
agents, N-fluoro compounds (e.g. perfluorourea + acetonitrile),
lanthanide perchlorates, iron (III) perchlorate, 2-Cyano-2-propyl
nitrate, trichlorosilane, diphenyl sulfoxide.
Hazardous Decomposition Products:
Hydrogen cyanide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, irritating and
toxic fumes and gases, carbon dioxide.
Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur.

**** SECTION 11 - TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION ****

RTECS#:
CAS# 75-05-8: AL7700000
LD50/LC50:
CAS# 75-05-8: Draize test, rabbit, eye: 100 uL/24H Moderate;
Inhalation, mouse: LC50 = 2693 ppm/1H; Inhalation, rabbit: LC50 =
2828 ppm/4H; Inhalation, rat: LC50 = 7551 ppm/8H; Oral, mouse: LD50 =
269 mg/kg; Oral, rabbit: LD50 = 50 mg/kg; Oral, rat: LD50 = 2460
mg/kg; Skin, rabbit: LD50 = >2 gm/kg.
Carcinogenicity:
Acetonitrile -
Not listed by ACGIH, IARC, NIOSH, NTP, or OSHA.
Other:
See actual entry in RTECS for complete information.

**** SECTION 12 - ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION ****

Ecotoxicity:
Fish: Fathead Minnow: 1150 ppm; 24 Hr; TLm (hard water)Fish: Fathead
Minnow: 1000 mg/L; 96 Hr; TLm (soft water)Fish: Bluegill/Sunfish:
1850 mg/L; 96 Hr; TLm (soft water)Fish: Fathead Minnow: 1640 mg/L;
96 Hr; LC50 (flow-bioassay)Fish: Fathead Minnow: 1640 mg/L; 96 Hr;
EC50 (flow-bioassay)
Other
Biodegradable.

**** SECTION 13 - DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS ****

Dispose of in a manner consistent with federal, state, and local regulations.

**** SECTION 14 - TRANSPORT INFORMATION ****

IATA
Shipping Name: ACETONITRILE
Hazard Class: 3.2
UN Number: 1648
Packing Group: II
IMO
Shipping Name: ACETONITRILE
Hazard Class: 3.2
UN Number: 1648
Packing Group: II
RID/ADR
Shipping Name: ACETONITRILE
Hazard Class: 3
UN Number: 1648
Packing group: II

**** SECTION 15 - REGULATORY INFORMATION ****

European/International Regulations
European Labeling in Accordance with EC Directives
Hazard Symbols: XN F
Risk Phrases:
R 11 Highly flammable.
R 20/21/22 Harmful by inhalation, in contact with
skin and if swallowed.
R 36 Irritating to eyes.
Safety Phrases:
S 16 Keep away from sources of ignition - No
smoking.
S 36/37 Wear suitable protective clothing and
gloves.
WGK (Water Danger/Protection)
CAS# 75-05-8: 2
United Kingdom Occupational Exposure Limits

United Kingdom Maximum Exposure Limits

Canada
None of the chemicals in this product are listed on the DSL/NDSL list.
CAS# 75-05-8 is not listed on Canada's Ingredient Disclosure List.
Exposure Limits
CAS# 75-05-8: OEL-ARAB Republic of Egypt:TWA 40 ppm (70 mg/m3);Skin
OEL-AUSTRALIA:TWA 40 ppm (70 mg/m3);STEL 60 ppm ;Skin
OEL-AUSTRIA:TWA 40 ppm (70 mg/m3)
OEL-BELGIUM:TWA 40 ppm (67 mg/m3);STEL 60 ppm (10 mg/m3);Skin
OEL-DENMARK:TWA 40 ppm (70 mg/m3);STEL 60 ppm (10 mg/m3)
OEL-FINLAND:TWA 40 ppm (70 mg/m3);STEL 60 ppm (10 mg/m3)
OEL-FRANCE:TWA 40 ppm (70 mg/m3)
OEL-GERMANY:TWA 40 ppm (70 mg/m3)
OEL-HUNGARY:TWA 50 mg/m3;STEL 100 mg/m3;Skin JAN9
OEL-THE NETHERLANDS:TWA 40 ppm (70 mg/m3)
OEL-THE PHILIPPINES:TWA 40 ppm (70 mg/m3)
OEL-RUSSIA:STEL 10 mg/m3
OEL-SWITZERLAND:TWA 40 ppm (70 mg/m3);STEL 80 ppm ;Skin
OEL-TURKEY:TWA 40 ppm (70 mg/m3)
OEL-UNITED KINGDOM:TWA 40 ppm (70 mg/m3);STEL 60 ppm
OEL IN BULGARIA, COLOMBIA, JORDAN, KOREA check ACGIH TLV
OEL IN NEW ZEALAND, SINGAPORE, VIETNAM check ACGI TLV
US FEDERAL
TSCA
CAS# 75-05-8 is not listed on the TSCA inventory.
It is for research and development use only.

**** SECTION 16 - ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ****

MSDS Creation Date: 11/05/2001 Revision #2 Date: 6/04/2002

The information above is believed to be accurate and represents the best
information currently available to us. However, we make no warranty of
merchantability or any other warranty, express or implied, with respect to
such information, and we assume no liability resulting from its use. Users
should make their own investigations to determine the suitability of the
information for their particular purposes. In no way shall the company be
liable for any claims, losses, or damages of any third party or for lost
profits or any special, indirect, incidental, consequential or exemplary
damages, howsoever arising, even if the company has been advised of
the possibility of such damages.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------