Knowledge
Acetone Cyanohydrin (ACH): Insights and Realities
Historical Development
Acetone cyanohydrin, known to chemists since the late nineteenth century, emerged during a period of intense chemical innovation. Chemists like Hermann Kolbe and later the pioneers in the burgeoning field of industrial organic chemistry explored compounds made by adding hydrogen cyanide to carbonyl-containing molecules. The invention grew out of practical need for new intermediates. A key site for its spread lay in the synthetic rubber projects leading up to and across both world wars, where its ability to unlock acrylonitrile production caught attention. Since the early twentieth century, the growth of the plastics industry, especially methacrylate polymers such as Plexiglas, kept demand for ACH steady and growing. In my own studies, seeing ACH appear in nearly every discussion of methyl methacrylate production underscored how intertwined historical moments shape chemistry’s course.
Product Overview
ACH’s main role stands as a chemical intermediary, not an end product. The molecule’s ability to shed or share its cyanide group makes it valuable in industrial organic synthesis. Factories handle millions of kilos each year, all driven by the need for high-purity methyl methacrylate (MMA), the monomer behind durable plastics found in storefronts, windows, lenses, and beyond. The molecule also steps into smaller uses, supporting processes in herbicide synthesis and fine chemicals, though these never match its massive contribution to synthetic resins. A small number of global companies handle most production, always close to sites with strong chemical infrastructure and skilled oversight.
Physical & Chemical Properties
ACH appears as a colorless to light yellow liquid with a sharp, biting odor hard to forget once encountered. It boils around 120°C but pressure and impurities influence this figure. It dissolves well in organic solvents like acetone or ethanol but only mixes a little with water. Its density sits close to 1 gram per cubic centimeter—a bit heavier than water. The molecule’s chemical backbone builds on a tertiary carbon linking acetone’s familiar structure with a cyanide group and a lone hydroxyl group. This grouping makes ACH reactive: cyanide can break away with a little acid or base, and under the right conditions, it opens a pathway to many new molecules. A lifetime in the laboratory or plant teaches deep respect for compounds that combine reactivity with toxicity; ACH demands both knowledge and care.
Technical Specifications & Labeling
Industry demands high purity from ACH. Typical grades specify minimum assay levels above 98 percent, since even small levels of impurities can gum up downstream chemical reactors. Standard labeling codes from regulatory bodies mark it as a poison and environmental hazard. Transport containers require careful markings: United Nations identification number UN 1541, packing group I, all seeing regular use. Shipments always include both hazard symbols—skull-and-crossbones, environmental hazard, and corrosive—letting everyone along the chain know the risks. Labels stress quick action for spills, danger of contact or inhalation, and the need for full personal protective equipment. In my time around chemical storerooms, seeing these labels always prompted an instinctive mental checklist—ACH has zero margin for error.
Preparation Method
Most modern facilities prepare ACH by reacting acetone vapor with hydrogen cyanide under controlled conditions. The process takes place in closed reactors equipped for measuring exact flows and temperatures. Slight excess cyanide ensures full conversion and cuts down on unreacted acetone. The end mixture cools and separates: crude ACH comes off, followed by purification steps to reduce water and by-products. Some older reports mention batch mixing in glass vessels, but today’s safety standards push for continuous, automated plants, which could cut emissions and improve safety. The whole setup relies on strong ventilation, precise monitoring, and experience. In my student days, even reading descriptions of lab cyanohydrin prep impressed the risks; industry keeps those lessons close.
Chemical Reactions & Modifications
ACH stands out by how quickly it can both yield new molecules and degrade into dangerous by-products. Acidic hydrolysis produces acetone and deadly hydrocyanic acid—something lab safety drills emphasized. When mixed with acids, bases, or heated above 50°C, the cyanohydrin bond cracks, so secondary equipment captures and neutralizes stray hydrocyanic acid before venting. ACH’s star turn appears in the large-scale conversion to methyl methacrylate. Here, it reacts with concentrated sulfuric acid to make methacrylamide sulfate, which then yields methyl methacrylate through methanolysis. Other reactions branch out: reduction can turn the cyanide into amine groups, making precursors for pharmaceuticals or specialty materials. Each route carries hazards—reactivity and toxicity mean that every modification comes with new safety puzzles to solve.
Synonyms & Product Names
ACH goes by many labels, depending on market and country. Acetone cyanohydrin is common, but names like 2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanenitrile and alpha-hydroxyisobutyronitrile turn up in research literature. Trade catalogs sometimes call it ACN, though outside chemistry this acronym leads to confusion. In older German and Japanese chemical catalogs, alternate names like cyanohydrin aceton or kyanohydrin acetone appear. Companies assign in-house IDs or codes, but regulatory documents stick to recognized standards. Experience shows that tracking synonyms helps avoid dangerous mix-ups, especially when older inventory or research data comes back into use.
Safety & Operational Standards
Industrial handling of ACH sets a gold standard for chemical safety. Direct exposure—skin, eyes, inhalation—brings immediate risk of cyanide poisoning, sometimes fatal within minutes. Plant policies layer multiple controls: fully enclosed transfer lines, double-contained vessels, emergency gas scrubbers, onsite antidote kits, and routinely drilled medical response. Operators wear full PPE—chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, fitted respirators—and supervisors run constant air and leak monitoring. Legal frameworks in Europe and the US force strict storage: cool, well-ventilated areas with bonded flooring, remote fire-suppression, isolation from acids, and continuous inventory checks. In my years visiting industrial plants, ACH areas always felt different—an air of tension and respect, signs that safety here means everything.
Application Areas
By far, the largest use for ACH lies in producing methyl methacrylate. MMA’s performance—clarity, toughness, weather resistance—lets it rule in the market for safety glass, vehicle tail lights, and light guides. ACH also feeds into smaller applications: it helps make herbicides targeting grassy weeds, and specialty solvents for electronics or paint removal. Some fine chemical synthesis engineers craft flavors and fragrance intermediates starting from cyanohydrins, though most switch to safer, less toxic sources when possible. Having seen how chemical supply chains depend on a few key links, the importance of ACH goes beyond its own headline uses—it enables entire industries.
Research & Development
Research on ACH continues in three main areas. One group works on improving catalysts and process controls for safer, more efficient production—new reactors, continuous flow designs, better heat management. Another team aims to replace hydrogen cyanide with less toxic alternatives or to “trap” cyanide at all stages, shrinking risks for operators and neighbors. Environmental chemists dig into how ACH and by-products behave in water, soil, and air, seeking to predict spills or leaks before harm hits. Some labs explore new synthetic uses, but tight regulations on cyanide chemistry slow academic work outside big industry. Trade journals and conferences treat every process tweak or safety improvement as a small but meaningful win.
Toxicity Research
ACH’s danger centers on how fast the molecule breaks down, liberating free hydrogen cyanide. Small exposures build up symptoms: headache, dizziness, losing consciousness. Fatal doses arrive well below a gram; emergency guidelines recommend immediate evacuation after any significant spill. Animal studies show broad toxicity—ACH affects the heart, lungs, and central nervous system with equal severity. Environmental studies warn about runoff or waste mismanagement, since even diluted solutions poison fish and aquatic life. Researchers test new neutralization systems and review antidotes—hydroxocobalamin, sodium thiosulfate—to keep response time low. In my reading, toxicology reports drove home the point: ACH rewards careful planning and quick, well-communicated action.
Future Prospects
The coming decade looks likely to keep ACH at the center of specialty polymer production. New plastics—demanding clarity, strength, and weathering—lean on MMA, so as long as those markets thrive, factory calls for ACH echo upstream. Pressure rises from two sides: regulators want lower cyanide risks, communities demand cleaner production, and companies see both as preconditions for future growth. Teams explore bio-based routes to methacrylates, but nothing on the horizon matches ACH’s efficiency at industrial scale. Digital monitoring and automation might take over the riskiest jobs, reducing operator exposure and raising performance. The conversation around chemical hazards now links with climate and environmental justice, adding new voices to the decisions ahead. Having watched chemistry evolve over time, my sense is that progress depends not just on technical steps, but on everyone—scientists, workers, communities—sharing both problems and solutions right from the start.
One Chemical, Many Uses
Factories and labs don’t shout about acetone cyanohydrin from the rooftops, but it’s there, doing the heavy lifting behind the scenes. This liquid, with a sharp almond-like smell, draws plenty of attention in chemical circles. Its job list starts with a big one: serving as the main raw material for making methyl methacrylate (MMA). MMA chips in everywhere—from smartphone screens to car tail lights, to the clear walls you might see at skating rinks. If you see something that’s strong, clear, and feels like glass but isn’t, there’s a good chance MMA stands behind it.
How Acetone Cyanohydrin Impacts Daily Life
Factory work takes an odd kind of romance—rolling up sleeves and trusting in chemistry to deliver. The stuff covering safety visors, medical instruments, and the windows of trains? That’s often polymethyl methacrylate, or PMMA, made using MMA, which draws its roots from acetone cyanohydrin. The world spins because tiny components like this keep industry humming.
This isn’t just about plastics. The chemical ends up in specialty adhesives, coatings that protect surfaces from harsh weather, and even road-marking paint. If you work in construction or manufacturing, you’ve probably dealt with products in the acrylic family, and acetone cyanohydrin quietly makes that possible.
Signs of Risk and Responsibility
Acetone cyanohydrin sits in a tricky spot. Dangerous in the wrong hands, safety must come first. Direct contact exposes workers to toxic vapors. Breathing in those fumes or splashing the skin spells trouble. Every year, news trickles out about chemical spills leading to evacuations and hospital visits. That’s a reminder: the technology can’t brush aside the human element. Unchecked shortcuts mean health risks, so investment in personal protective gear and robust training always matters more than squeezing a few extra cents out of a process.
I’ve seen chemists wearing full-face masks, gloves, and even specialized boots as they measure acetone cyanohydrin. Equipment failures—leaky seals, faulty vents—don’t just slow production. They expose people to harm. More than a few companies have faced fines or shutdowns over missed safety checks. This chemical gives no slack.
Challenges and Forward Steps
Handling hazardous materials brings constant pressure for improvement. Strict storage and transfer rules limit vapor release. In a world reckoning with chemical pollution, industry turns to closed-process systems, limiting how much can escape to the air or water. Technology helps, but so does plain vigilance.
Recycling and safer substitutes pop up in research journals, offering hope for reducing long-term risks. Some plants experiment with routes that sidestep acetone cyanohydrin altogether, aiming to shrink the health and environmental burden. Strong regulatory oversight remains the backbone—rules that ask companies to track every drop and update staff training often. It’s all about trust, transparency, and stepping up whenever risk hovers nearby.
Where We Go Next
The story of acetone cyanohydrin ties innovation with responsibility. This chemical won’t fade from factory floors any time soon—too much depends on the products it helps create. But every step, from delivery to disposal, should put worker safety and public health in the spotlight. Better monitoring, investment in next-generation safety technologies, and ongoing education for everyone involved point us toward a smarter, safer future.
Facing Real Hazards
Acetone cyanohydrin isn’t something you want to take lightly. It gives off cyanide—one of the fastest-acting poisons—if it breaks down or gets too warm. Breathing the vapor or getting it on your skin can threaten your life. For anyone who manages this chemical, the risks never take a break, and neither should the precautions.
Common Sense and Personal Protection
Gloves and goggles aren’t fashion statements. They offer a fighting chance when splashes or spills put you in harm’s way. Not all gloves work; go for ones made of butyl rubber or neoprene, which stand up against this chemical longer. Nitrile and latex can break down much faster. A face shield gives a layer of defense if something goes wrong, especially if droplets scatter at eye level. Lab coats and long sleeves cover skin, turning a splash from an emergency into something manageable.
Fresh Air Keeps Trouble Away
Nobody wants to gasp for air in a room full of toxic fumes. Fume hoods and solid ventilation belong in any space where this chemical appears. Simple open windows don’t cut it. Good airflow pulls away gases before anyone breathes them in. In spots where big amounts get handled, a full-face respirator can make the difference between life and a trip to the emergency room.
Storage Isn’t Just About Shelves
Acetone cyanohydrin degrades with heat or if it sits with acids, alkalis, or metals. Store it cold—think separate refrigerator, not next to lunch or soda. Metal shelves can react if leaks start. Tight lids matter, since water in the air can break this chemical down. Anyone storing large quantities also needs ways to lock up containers because these substances shouldn’t land in the wrong hands.
No Room for Guesswork
Label everything clearly. Rushed labeling caused more than one close call in busy labs. Everyone in the area must recognize what sits in the container, not just the person who poured it. Safety training helps everyone spot a problem before it escalates. A quick walk-through of the material safety sheet can set off warning bells if something seems odd. People tend to skim paperwork, but here lives might depend on what’s inside those few pages.
Small Spills Don’t Stay Small
If a spill happens, walk away and get help. Trying to wipe things up with paper towels or sweeps can release more vapor. Grab emergency spill kits designed for cyanides. They soak up chemicals without making fumes worse. Never toss towels or gear in the regular trash—this waste begs for hazardous disposal. Fire extinguishers need to work on chemical fires. Water just spreads the mess.
Building a Safety Culture
Supervisors and experienced workers owe it to new staff to lead by example. From personal experience, shortcuts pop up when days run long. A strong safety mindset, regular check-ins, and equipment reviews all catch tired mistakes before anyone pays a tough price. Health isn’t worth gambling for a few saved minutes.
Better Solutions at Every Level
Chemical safety grows from teamwork. Regular audits, double-checking supplies, and putting safety gear where it’s simple to grab all create fewer chances for trouble. Spotting leaks early or reading up on new guidelines can help keep accidents off the report log. Everyone benefits when safety turns from a box-ticking exercise into a core value.
Chemical Formula and Structure
Acetone cyanohydrin carries the chemical formula C4H7NO. Chemists often write it as (CH3)2C(OH)CN. At the center sits an acetone molecule with a hydrogen cyanide molecule attached to its carbonyl group, forming a cyanohydrin. The structure features a central carbon bonded to two methyl groups (–CH3), a hydroxyl group (–OH), and a nitrile group (–CN).
This arrangement gives acetone cyanohydrin a molecular weight of about 85 grams per mole. The key feature is its cyanohydrin group, with the carbon atom attached to the hydroxyl and nitrile functional groups. Visualizing the structure may help: the central carbon links to two methyls, then stretches out to an –OH on one side and a –CN on the other. This combination puts it in a unique spot compared to either simple ketones or cyanides.
Relevance in Real-World Chemistry
Acetone cyanohydrin doesn’t show up on grocery store shelves, but it supports a lot of chemical industries. Its structure makes it a go-to for making methyl methacrylate, which in turn gets turned into all sorts of products like plexiglass panels and strong plastic parts. This transformation happens on a huge scale every year.
My experience working in the lab taught me to never underestimate the risks involved. The presence of the nitrile group, specifically, means acetone cyanohydrin can release hydrogen cyanide under the wrong conditions. Hydrogen cyanide is volatile and toxic. This isn’t something you want near any workspace drinking fountain or in unattended storage. Safe handling starts with a proper understanding of the molecular properties.
Safety and Handling Concerns
Behind every beaker of acetone cyanohydrin sits a strict list of safety regulations. Because of its toxic potential, many production facilities rely on enclosed systems and regular air monitoring. Teams get trained on what to do if a spill happens. Practical safety doesn’t just come from reading Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS); it’s built on routines and real awareness. I remember an old supervisor reminding us, “Respect the chemical’s reputation. Don’t rush routine.” Every chemist I know keeps that in mind when working with something that links a cyanide group to a volatile organic structure.
Its instability at room temperature—prone to breaking down into acetone and hydrogen cyanide gas—drives home the importance of controlled environments. Cold storage, solid labeling, and personal protective gear (like chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection) are all standard practice. Emergency plans don’t just sit on paper; they get rehearsed. It’s not just about protecting people in the lab, but about keeping the air and water around any facility free of contamination. Ethical chemistry starts here, not with shortcuts.
Supporting Solutions for Safe Chemistry
Effective risk management comes through engineering controls, not just lectures and reminders. Fume hoods, regular drum inspections, and chemical sensors built into air ducts aren’t luxuries, but essential steps. Companies that invest in safety gear, solid training programs, and process automation see fewer accidents and keep their reputations intact. I’ve seen younger scientists roll their eyes at yet another chemical safety workshop, but the few minutes lost in practice become hours saved in emergencies later.
Any organization working with high-risk chemicals should stay transparent with nearby communities about what’s stored onsite. Good relationships with local emergency response teams, along with honest reporting, make a world of difference if a spill or leak ever happens. Building trust comes from action, not promises.
Understanding the Hazards
Acetone cyanohydrin doesn’t play around. Exposure means a real risk of poisoning—both from the cyanide released if it breaks down and from the chemical itself. I remember reading OSHA’s incident logs one evening, shaken by how fast a leak or spill in a poorly ventilated room can escalate to a medical emergency. This isn’t just a headache-and-gloves chemical; it demands vigilance from the start.
Choosing the Right Containers
Metal containers never made sense for something this reactive. Acetone cyanohydrin calls for airtight, corrosion-resistant vessels—usually high-density polyethylene or glass—equipped with precision valves. I once saw an old steel drum used in a pinch, and within a week, it corroded. Local fire code officers flagged the risk right away. There’s no cutting corners here. Containers must stay sealed tightly, and preferably filled under fume hoods or using closed transfer lines that limit exposure to the air.
Temperature and Pressure Matter
Acetone cyanohydrin will break down into hydrogen cyanide gas if stored warm or under low pH. I’ve seen temperature logs in storage vaults that set the upper limit at 15°C, but best practice keeps it close to 0°C. Cold storage units need alarms and backup power for outages—one bad summer storm and a power loss could spell disaster. Venting is out of the question. Hydrogen cyanide gas at low concentrations will cause dizziness, but at higher levels, it becomes lethal fast.
Label Everything and Track All Movement
Every container must carry clear, permanent labels with hazard symbols and emergency instructions. Mixing up containers is more than a paperwork problem—misidentifying the chemical can make first responders’ work vastly more dangerous. Tracking sheet logs, RFID scanning, and dual sign-off procedures prevent both accidental misuse and theft.
Plan for Spills and Breakage
Working in a small lab, we practiced spill drills routinely. You keep spill kits right there, stocked with lime, sodium thiosulfate, and personal respirators fitted for cyanide work. One time, a junior chemist knocked over a small bottle, and quick thinking with the kit and proper response gear kept the situation under control. Routinely training staff in both recognition and rapid response saves lives.
Sensible Transportation Steps
Freight rules treat acetone cyanohydrin with the respect it deserves. Only certified hazmat carriers accept these shipments. Trucks or containers have secondary containment in case of rupture. Some firms double-containerize and fit transport tanks with vacuum relief valves and rupture discs. I’ve even seen GPS tracking layered on every pallet to spot delays or unauthorized detours—minimizing time on the road reduces the risk of accidents.
Insisting on Accountability
Companies carry the responsibility for every step. Without regular safety audits, overlooked flaws creep in—like a cracked lid or dropped temperature setting. Every incident teaches tough lessons. Leadership needs to listen to people on the floor and implement what works based on actual experience, not just what’s written in a handbook.
Smart Storage, Smart Transport Saves Lives
Nobody wants to see their company name in the news after a spill or toxic exposure. Taking personal responsibility—demanding airtight containers, tight temperature control, clear labeling, thorough training, and careful choice of professional hazmat carriers—keeps workplaces safe and keeps this dangerous chemical where it belongs.
A Living, Breathing Risk
Most people won’t hear about acetone cyanohydrin unless they work near chemical plants or handle specialty manufacturing supplies. I remember reading the warning on a drum during a visit to a plastics factory years ago. The skull-and-crossbones made it clear—this substance isn’t just another industrial solvent. Acetone cyanohydrin puts workers and emergency responders at a real risk by threatening much more than a short-term cough or mild headache.
Direct Impact on the Human Body
Inhaling acetone cyanohydrin isn’t like catching a whiff of paint thinner. This stuff can poison fast. Within minutes, it releases hydrogen cyanide in moist air—or inside human lungs. Hydrogen cyanide has a reputation for shutting down the body’s ability to use oxygen. One breath in a concentrated cloud can bring dizziness, chest tightness, convulsions, even loss of consciousness. Fatal poisoning can happen if response drags out. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists symptoms that go from headache and weakness to respiratory failure—and those aren’t theoretical risks; they’ve popped up in real chemical spill emergencies.
Skin and Eye Dangers
Long sleeves, gloves, and goggles exist for a reason. Spilling a splash on bare skin or getting a drop in the eyes is more than a bad day at work. Acetone cyanohydrin eats through tissue fast, leaving chemical burns. Hospital reports show cases where workers needed aggressive treatment to stop the spread of damage. Skin contact also lets the toxin seep into the bloodstream, causing internal poisoning. Eye exposure might rob someone of sight permanently unless rinsed out and treated immediately.
The Stress on Emergency Teams
No one feels calm during a chemical leak. Firefighters and paramedics know acetone cyanohydrin by its dangers. Response gear needs to block direct contact and keep vapors out; simple cloth masks or gloves won’t cut it. There have been real events where insufficient warning led to multiple responders needing hospital care after rushing into contaminated zones. Adequate notification, training, and equipment turn the difference between a workplace horror story and a quick, contained cleanup.
Community Health Beyond the Factory Fence
Neighborhoods near production sites get nervous if safety controls slip. Acetone cyanohydrin isn’t just a workplace issue—airborne plumes from spills can reach streets and homes beyond the plant fence. In 2021, an industrial mishap in Asia sent several people from a nearby village to the hospital with signs of acute poisoning. The risk grows if local authorities don’t have rapid communication and evacuation plans. Schools, clinics, and families should know what warning sirens mean and where the safe shelter sits.
Building a Real Solution
Nobody working inside a chemical plant wakes up hoping for a spill, and long-term health means cutting down risks before someone gets hurt. Regular maintenance on storage tanks and transfer lines helps catch minor leaks before they turn into disasters. Ventilation systems can scrub out accidental vapors. Lindane, a powerful cyanide antidote, needs to live on-site, not just in a distant hospital. Companies and regulators have a duty to run frequent drills and make safety info clear—panic only grows when people don’t know what’s coming.
Meanwhile, workers ought to know their rights. The right to proper training, real protective gear, and regular health checks matters more than any quarterly cost savings. It’s tough standing up for safety in a tight labor market, but long careers and healthy families rely on decisions made in those earliest seconds — and no job should cost someone their breath or skin.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanenitrile |
| Other names |
Acetone cyanohydrin
2-Hydroxy-2-methylpropanenitrile Acetone alpha-cyanohydrin Cyanohydroxyisopropane α-Cyanohydroxyisopropane Acetoncyanohydrin |
| Pronunciation | /ˈæsɪˌtoʊn saɪˈænoʊˌhaɪdrɪn/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 75-86-5 |
| Beilstein Reference | 1209226 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:52080 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL14419 |
| ChemSpider | 15001 |
| DrugBank | DB02531 |
| ECHA InfoCard | ECHA InfoCard: 100.003.734 |
| EC Number | 200-909-4 |
| Gmelin Reference | **Gmelin Reference:** 83390 |
| KEGG | C02313 |
| MeSH | D000074347 |
| PubChem CID | 6580 |
| RTECS number | SN6475000 |
| UNII | KG7H0RFD6R |
| UN number | UN1541 |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DTXSID2020672 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C4H7NO |
| Molar mass | 101.12 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless to light yellow liquid with a pungent odor |
| Odor | Characteristic odor |
| Density | 0.938 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Soluble |
| log P | -0.08 |
| Vapor pressure | 1 mmHg (20°C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 15.0 |
| Basicity (pKb) | pKb = 11.0 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -6.78×10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.419 |
| Viscosity | 0.753 mPa·s (20°C) |
| Dipole moment | 3.97 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 179.7 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | “-116.5 kJ/mol” |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -1190 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | V03AB33 |
| Hazards | |
| Pictograms | GHS06,GHS03,GHS09 |
| Signal word | Danger |
| Hazard statements | H301, H311, H314, H331, H370 |
| Precautionary statements | P210, P260, P261, P264, P271, P273, P280, P301+P310, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P311, P321, P330, P361, P363, P370+P378, P391, P403+P233, P405, P501 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 3-4-2-W |
| Flash point | 76 °F (24 °C) |
| Autoignition temperature | 393 °C |
| Explosive limits | Explosive limits: 4.0–11.5% |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 oral rat 22 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): Oral, rat: 107 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | SN293 |
| PEL (Permissible) | 200 ppm |
| REL (Recommended) | 47 mg/m³ |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | 200 mg/m3 |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Acetone
Hydrogen cyanide Methyl methacrylate Cyanohydrin Isobutyronitrile |
