ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
ACETONITRILE (CH3CN) UN No. 1648; Hazchem 2WE
NEVER WORK ALONE WITH THIS SUBSTANCE, ALWAYS HAVE SOMEONE
IN VIEW AT ALL TIMES WHO IS TRAINED IN THE TREATMENT OF CYANIDE
POISONING.
SYNONYMS
Methyl cyanide, cyanomethane, cyanure de methyle, ethanenitrile,
ethyl nitrile, methanecarbonitrile.
CHARACTERISTICS
Colourless liquid with a sweet odour. Flammable liquid and
vapour. Combustion may produce toxic gases such as hydrogen
cyanide.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Reacts explosively with strong oxidisers (perchlorates,
nitrates). Can react violently with mineral acids and reducing
agents. Reacts slowly with water or steam to produce highly
toxic vapours of ammonia and hydrogen cyanide.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
May be harmful if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the
skin. It breaks down slowly in the body to release the cyanide
ion. Symptoms can be delayed for several hours. May irritate
skin, eyes and respiratory tract. Inhalation may cause
respiratory tract irritation and pulmonary oedema, also symptoms
similar to those under ingestion.
Ingestion may cause harmful central nervous system effects
including excitation, euphoria, dizziness, drowsiness, blurred
vision, fatigue, tremors, loss of consciousness, coma,
respiratory arrest and death. May cause gastrointestinal
disturbances including irritation, nausea, vomiting and
diarrhoea. Other effects include rapid pulse and breathing,
chest pain, sweating and hypersalivation. May cause liver, lung
and thyroid damage.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Never handle unless another person is present.
Use a fume hood.
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation or ingestion.
Keep away from water and steam.
Keep away from heat or naked flames.
Keep away from oxidising materials, acids and reducing agents.
Keep away from combustible substances.
Keep the container tightly sealed.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Use a fume hood to minimise exposure to this substance. Wear
protective clothing to avoid skin or eye contact, inhalation or
ingestion. A long sleeved laboratory coat or gown, rubber
gloves, safety goggles and a face mask as a minimum standard.
TREATMENTS
Skin immediately wash the affected area with soap or mild
detergent and large amounts of water until all evidence of the
chemical has been removed (approximately 15 minutes). Seek
medical advice. If hypersensitivity develops seek medical
attention. Before laundering any contaminated clothing, notify
he laundry of the contaminants hazardous properties.
Eyes wash the affected eye with large amounts of water until
all evidence of the chemical has been removed (approximately 15
minutes). If irritation or pain persist seek immediate medical
attention.
Inhalation remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. Keep
warm and allow to rest. If irritation persists or signs of
toxicity develop seek immediate medical attention. If breathing
stops DO NOT GIVE MOUTH TO MOUTH RESUSCITATION but use other
forms of artificial respiration.
Ingestion wash out the mouth thoroughly with water and give
water or milk to drink. Do not induce vomiting. Never give
anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Seek immediate
medical advice.
Oxygen is usually administered by trained personnel when cyanide
poisoning occurs.
STORAGE
Store in a restricted, locked store that has a cool, dry
atmosphere away from heat or ignition sources. DISPOSAL
Wear long rubber gloves, self contained breathing apparatus and
laboratory coat.
Spills: Do not touch the spilled liquid. Prevent the liquid from
entering the sewer. Eliminate all sources of ignition. Absorb
the liquid with an inert spill compound. Place the compound into
a suitable, covered, labelled container. Dispose of by disposal
contractor. Usual method is high temperature incineration.
ENVIRONMENT:
Sufficient data is not available to assess the hazard to the
environment.
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