Acetone cyanohydrin
Synonyms & Trade Names
Cyanohydrin-2-propanone, 2-Cyano-2-propanol, α-Hydroxyisobutyronitrile, 2-Hydroxy-2-methyl-propionitrile, 2-MethyllactonitrileExposure Limits
NIOSH REL
C 1 ppm (4 mg/m3) [15-minute]OSHA PEL
nonePhysical Description
Colorless liquid with a faint odor of bitter almond. [Note: Forms cyanide in the body.]Molecular Weight
85.1Boiling Point
203°FFreezing Point
-4°FSolubility
MiscibleVapor Pressure
0.8 mmHgIonization Potential
?Specific Gravity
(77°F): 0.93Flash Point
165°FUpper Exposive Limit
12.0%Lower Explosive Limit
2.2%Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Sulfuric acid, caustics [Note: Slowly decomposes to acetone & HCN at room temperatures; rate is accelerated by an increase in pH, water content, or temperature.]Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contactSymptoms
irritation eyes, skin, respiratory system; dizziness, lassitude (weakness, exhaustion), headache, confusion, convulsions; liver, kidney injury; pulmonary edema, asphyxiaTarget Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system, cardiovascular system, liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tractPersonal 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:Eyewash, 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 10 ppm:
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator
Up to 25 ppm:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode
Up to 50 ppm:
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece
Up to 250 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
- Page last reviewed:April 11, 2016
- Page last updated:April 11, 2016
- Content source:
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Education and Information Division