International Chemical Safety Cards

ETHYLENE CYANOHYDRIN

ICSC: 1026

3-Hydroxypropionitrile
2-Cyanoethanol
Glycol cyanohydrin
Methanolacetonitrile
C₃H₅NO / HOCH₂CH₂CN
Molecular mass: 71.08
ICSC # 1026
CAS # 109-78-4
RTECS # MU5250000
October 16, 2001 Peer reviewed

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID/ FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.	NO open flames.	Powder, alcohol-resistant foam, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION

EXPOSURE
•INHALATION		Ventilation.	Fresh air, rest.
•SKIN	Redness.	Protective gloves.	Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.
•EYES	Redness. Pain.	Safety goggles.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION		Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.	Rinse mouth.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent and remove to safe place. (Extra personal protection: filter type B.)

Separated from acids, bases , oxidants . Cool. Dry. Keep in a well-ventilated room.

R:
S:

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ICSC: 1026

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

International Chemical Safety Cards

ETHYLENE CYANOHYDRIN

ICSC: 1026

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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS TO YELLOW LIQUID

PHYSICAL DANGERS:

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance may polymerize under the influence of organic base(s) . The substance decomposes on heating or on contact with acids acid fumes, or water producing highly toxic fumes including hydrogen cyanide . Reacts violently with strong oxidants .

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV not established.

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
No indication can be given about the rate in which a harmful concentration in the air is reached on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is irritating to the eyes and the skin .

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point (decomposes): 228°C
Melting point: -46°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.04
Solubility in water: miscible
Vapour pressure, Pa at 25°C: 10.7

Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.45
Flash point: 129°C o.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: 494°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 2.3 - 12.1
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: -0.94

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

N O T E S

This substance is less hazardous than some other nitriles which easily form hydrogen cyanide in the body.

NFPA Code: H1; F1; R2;

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ICSC: 1026	ETHYLENE CYANOHYDRIN
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994

IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE:

Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.