Propionitrile
Synonyms & Trade Names
Cyanoethane, Ethyl cyanide, Propanenitrile, Propionic nitrile, PropiononitrileExposure Limits
NIOSH REL
TWA 6 ppm (14 mg/m3)OSHA PEL
nonePhysical Description
Colorless liquid with a pleasant, sweetish, ethereal odor. [Note: Forms cyanide in the body.]Molecular Weight
55.1Boiling Point
207°FFreezing Point
-133°FSolubility
11.9%Vapor Pressure
35 mmHgIonization Potential
11.84 eVSpecific Gravity
0.78Flash Point
36°FUpper Exposive Limit
?Lower Explosive Limit
3.1%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 contactSymptoms
irritation eyes, skin, respiratory system; nausea, vomiting; chest pain; lassitude (weakness, exhaustion); stupor, convulsions; In Animals: liver, kidney damageTarget Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system, cardiovascular system, central nervous system, liver, kidneysPersonal 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
- 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