Methacrylonitrile

Nitrogen Compounds -> Nitriles

Flammable agents - 3rd degree

Volatile Organic Compound (VOC)

log Kow = 0.68

0.68

0.68

0.8001 at 68 °F (EPA, 1998) - Less dense than water; will float

0.8001 @ 20 °C/4 °C

DENSITY OF SATURATED AIR: 1.17 (AIR= 1)

Relative density (water = 1): 0.8

0.8001

0.805 @ 20°C

10 to 50 mg/mL at 72 °F (NTP, 1992)

Miscible with acetone, octane, toluene @ 20-25 °C

Sol in alcohol, ether

In water, 2.54X10+4 mg/l @ 25 °C

Solubility in water at 20 °C: moderate

3%

55 °F (EPA, 1998)

13 °C

13 °C (55 °F) open cup

1.1 °C c.c.

55 °F

34 °F

194 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998)

90.3 °C @ 760 mm Hg

90.3 °C

195 °F

90.3 °C @760 [mm Hg]

195 °F

Danger

H225: Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]

P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P261, P262, P264, P270, P271, P272, P280, P301+P316, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P316, P321, P330, P333+P317, P361+P364, P362+P364, P370+P378, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Danger

H225 (100%): Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]

P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P260, P261, P262, P264, P270, P271, P272, P280, P284, P301+P316, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P308+P316, P316, P320, P321, P330, P333+P317, P361+P364, P362+P364, P370+P378, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Chemical: 2-Propenenitrile, 2-methyl-

2-Propenenitrile, 2-methyl- is listed on the EPA's Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) system. Manufacturers and importers of 2-Propenenitrile, 2-methyl- are required to report information about their production and use of this chemical to the EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). (40 eCFR Part 711)

Status: Active Update: 26-02-2015 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/11253

Methacrylonitrile: HSNO Approval: HSR003019 Approved with controls

The New Jersey Worker and Community Right to Know Act requires public and private employers to provide information about hazardous substances at their workplaces. (N.J.S.A. 34:5A-1 et. seq.)

Methacrylonitrile evolves flammable concentrations of vapor at temperatures down to 55.04F. Thus, at room temperatures, flammable concentrations are liable to be present. Toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides are released when the material burns. Also, the chemical will explode due to its tendency to polymerize violently. Avoid heat. Hazardous polymerization may occur. (EPA, 1998)

· HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.

Highly flammable. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire. Vapour/air mixtures are explosive.

METHACRYLONITRILE EVOLVES FLAMMABLE CONCENTRATIONS OF VAPOR AT TEMPERATURES DOWN TO 12.8 °C. THUS, AT ROOM TEMPERATURES, FLAMMABLE ... CONCENTRATIONS ARE LIABLE TO BE PRESENT IN ABSENCE OF PRECAUTIONS. THE NORMAL DANGERS ASSOCIATED WITH FIRE ... ARE INTENSIFIED BY THE LETHAL NATURE OF THE FUMES & VAPORS EVOLVED.

A dangerous fire hazard when exposed to heat, flame, or sparks.

A lacrimator (causes tearing); an insidious poison which causes delayed skin reactions. Very readily absorbed through skin. Highly toxic. (EPA, 1998)

· TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin.

Inhalation toxicity is comparable to that of acrylonitrile; Causes paralysis of hind limbs and seizures in dogs exposed to 13.5 ppm for 90 days; [ACGIH] An eye and respiratory tract irritant; Can cause cyanide poisoning; [ICSC] A skin sensitizer; [Quick CPC] A lachrymator; [HSDB] Methacrylonitrile, stabilized (UN3079) has warning of explosive polymerization; [ERG 2016] See NITRILES.

The major hazards encountered in the use and handling of methylacrylonitrile stem from its toxicologic properties and flammability. Toxic by all routes (ie, inhalation, ingestion, and dermal absorption), exposure to this bitter-almond-smelling, colorless liquid may occur from its use as a copolymer with styrene and butadiene; as an intermediate in the preparation of acids, amides, amines, esters, and nitriles; and in elastomers, coatings, and plastics. Effects from exposure may include contact burns to the skin and eyes, nausea, headache, tachycardia, CNS depression, convulsions, asphyxiation, coma, and death. OSHA has established a time-weighted average (TWA) limit of 1 ppm, with an indication that skin contact is to be avoided. In activities and situations where over-exposure may occur, wear a positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus, and chemical protective clothing which is specifically recommended by the shipper or manufacturer. If contact should occur, immediately flush exposed eyes and skin with running water for at least 15 minutes. Contaminated clothing and shoes should be removed and left at the site. Methylacrylonitrile is extremely flammable (flash point: 13 °C, open cup), capable of ignition by heat, sparks, or flames. Its heavier-than-air vapor may travel to a source of ignition and flash back, or accumulate to explosive concentrations in confined spaces such as sewers. Because of its tendency to polymerize violently, containers of methylacrylonitrile may explode in the heat of a fire. For fires involving this substance, extinguish with dry chemical, CO2, water spray, fog, or alcohol-resistant foam. If a tank, rail car, or tank truck is involved in the fire, isolate for 1/2 mile in all directions. Dike fire control waterfor later disposal and do not scatter the material. Take up small spills of methylacrylonitrile with sand or other noncombustible absorbent and place into containers for later disposal. Dike far ahead of large spills for later disposal. Methylacrylonitrile is a potential candidate for liquid injection, rotary kiln, or fluidized bed forms of incineration.

3079 131P

3079 131P(inhibited)

Usual precautions for flammable liquid should be applied. (EPA, 1998)

Use alcohol-resistant foam. Use dry powder. Use carbon dioxide. In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.

Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Refer for medical attention .

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

Give a slurry of activated charcoal in water to drink. Induce vomiting (ONLY IN CONSCIOUS PERSONS!). Wear protective gloves when inducing vomiting. NO mouth-to-mouth artificial respiration. Administration of oxygen may be needed. Refer for medical attention .

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.

· ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area.

Warning: Effects, including skin reactions, may be delayed. Caution is advised. Vital signs should be monitored closely. Heart palpitation may begin within minutes after exposure.

General First Aid:

(General first aid procedures)

· Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

TIH (Toxic Inhalation Hazard) - Term used to describe gases and volatile liquids that are toxic when inhaled. Some are TIH materials themselves, e.g., chlorine, and some release TIH gases when spilled in water, e.g., chlorosilanes. [ERG 2016].

Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste numbers D003, P030, and U152 must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.

A potential candidate for liquid injection incineration at a temperature range of 650 to 1,600 °C and a residence time of 0.1 to 2 seconds. A potential candidate for rotary kiln incineration at a temperature range of 820 to 1,600 °C and residence times of seconds for liquids and gases, and hours for solids. A potential candidate for fluidized bed incineration at a temperature range of 450 to 980 °C and residence times of seconds for liquids and gases, and longer for solids.

Remove all ignition sources. Evacuate danger area! Personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus. Collect leaking liquid in sealable containers. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.

The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated.

Work clothing that becomes wet should be immediately removed due to its flammability hazard.

... IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT METHACRYLONITRILE CANNOT BE DETECTED BY ITS SMELL EVEN AT CONCENTRATIONS WHICH ARE ALREADY DANGEROUS FOR HUMANS. HENCE SPECIAL ATTENTION MUST BE GIVEN TO VENTILATION & ESTIMATIONS OF THE AMT OF POISON PRESENT MUST BE CARRIED OUT FREQUENTLY.

SRP: Contaminated protective clothing should be segregated in such a manner so that there is no direct personal contact by personnel who handle, dispose, or clean the clothing. Quality assurance to ascertain the completeness of the cleaning procedures should be implemented before the decontaminated protective clothing is returned for reuse by the workers. Contaminated clothing should not be taken home at end of shift, but should remain at employee's place of work for cleaning.

For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for METHYLACRYLONITRILE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 131 [Flammable Liquids - Toxic; polymerization hazard]:

Immediate precautionary measure

Small spill:

Small spill:

Antidotes for acute toxicity of methacrylonitrile were studied in rats. Male Wistar rats were exposed for 30 minutes to methacrylonitrile at lethal concentrations from 3180 to 5700 ppm. Animals were removed to plain air. Some exposed to 3180 or 3210 ppm were injected with unusual cyanide antidotes 4-dimethylaminophenol at 10 mg/kg plus 500 mg/kg sodium thiosulfate. Some exposed to 3500 to 5700 ppm were given N-acetyl-cysteine at 200 mg/kg, an acrylonitrile antidote. Clinical effects observed in animals not given the antidotes were compared with those of comparable doses of acrylonitrile. Animals intoxicated with acrylonitrile showed marked salivation, flow of tears, diarrhea, and convulsions with death occurring in 3 to 4 hours. Animal intoxicated with methacrylonitrile showed rapid unconsciousness with convulsions and lethality by 1 hr, suggesting metabolically formed cyanide. While all animals not given antidotes died, those given the cyanide antidotes all survived. N-acetyl-cysteine caused surival of all animals through exposure to 4340 ppm. At higher doses some deaths occurred but the majority survived. ... Acute toxicity of methacrylonitrile is predominantly caused by metabolically formed cyanide. N-acetyl-cysteine, which reacts directly with alpha, beta unsaturated nitrites, is an effective antidote, as it is against acrylonitrile.

WHEN SODIUM THIOSULFATE WAS GIVEN IN MULTIPLE INJECTIONS, IT PROTECTED MICE AGAINST DEATH BY PROPIONITRILE.

The toxic mechanism of nitriles (including propionitrile) and the effect of metabolic modifiers in mice were studied in relation to their physicochemical properties. All the test nitriles liberated cyanide both in vivo and in vitro, with the exception of benzonitrile, although the extent of liberation and the effect of carbon tetrachloride pretreatment on the mortality of animals differed among nitriles. From these results, test compounds were tentatively divided into 3 groups. In group 1, acute toxicity was greatly reduced by carbon tetrachloride pretreatment, in group 2, toxicity was not significantly changed or was somewhat enhanced, and in group 3, benzonitrile only, toxicity was clearly enhanced. The amount of cyanide was higher at death in the brains of mice given group 1 compounds, the level being comparable to that found in mice killed by dosing with potassium cyanide. The relation between log (1/LD50) and log p for the compounds in group 1 fitted a parabolic plot, while that for compounds in group 2 was linear. For most nitriles, the in vitro metabolism was inhibited when the incubation mixture contained either SKF-525A, carbon monoxide, or microsomes from mice treated with carbon tetrachloride. When mice were closed with ethyl alcohol, metabolic enhancement of nitriles was seen compared with the control. However, ethyl alcohol, when added to the incubation mixture, inhibited the in vitro metabolism of nitriles.

Hepatic

Eyes, skin, central nervous system

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 56(SRC), determined from a measured log Kow of 0.68(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that methylacrylonitrile is expected to have high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of methylacrylonitrile from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 2.47X10-4 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) derived from its vapor pressure, 71.2 mm Hg(4), and water solubility, 2.54X10+4 mg/l(5). The potential for volatilization of methylacrylonitrile from dry soil surfaces may exist(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure(4). Microorganisms hydrolyze nitriles predominately to ammonia and carboxylic acids(6). A bacterium isolated from soil (Pseudomonas putida) was able to utilize methylacrylonitrile as a sole source of carbon and nitrogen(7); therefore, biodegradation may be an important fate process for this compound(SRC).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 56(SRC), determined from a measured log Kow of 0.68(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that methylacrylonitrile is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 2.47X10-4 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) derived from its vapor pressure, 71.2 mm Hg(4), and water solubility, 2.54X10+4 mg/l(5). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 3 hours and 4 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(6), an estimated BCF of 3(SRC), from its log Kow(2) and a regression-derived equation(7), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Microorganisms hydrolyze nitriles predominately to ammonia and carboxylic acids(8). A bacterium isolated from soil (Pseudomonas putida) was able to utilize methylacrylonitrile as a sole source of carbon and nitrogen(9); therefore, biodegradation may be an important fate process for this compound(SRC).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), methylacrylonitrile, which has a vapor pressure of 71.2 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere(SRC). Vapor-phase methylacrylonitrile is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 46 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 8.36X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) determined using a structure estimation method(3). The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of methylacrylonitrile with ozone is 3.52X10-19 cu cm/molecule-sec (temperature unspecified)(4). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 33 days(SRC) at an atmospheric concentration of 7X10+11 ozone molecules per cu cm(5).

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour, through the skin and by ingestion.

inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact

Headache. Confusion. Weakness. Shortness of breath. Convulsions. Unconsciousness.

MAY BE ABSORBED! Further see Inhalation.

Redness. Pain.

See Inhalation.

irritation eyes, skin; lacrimation (discharge of tears); In Animals: convulsions, loss of motor control in hind limbs

The following link will take the user to the National Toxicology Program (NTP) Test Agent Search Results page, which tabulates all of the "Standard Toxicology & Carcinogenesis Studies", "Developmental Studies", and "Genetic Toxicity Studies" performed with this chemical. Clicking on the "Testing Status" link will take the user to the status (i.e., in review, in progress, in preparation, on test, completed, etc.) and results of all the studies that the NTP has done on this chemical. [http://ntp-apps.niehs.nih.gov/ntp_tox/index.cfm?fuseaction=ntpsearch.searchresults&searchterm=126-98-7]

Methacrylonitrile

Hepatic

1 x 10 ^-4 mg/kg-day

The Koc of methylacrylonitrile is estimated as 56(SRC), using a measured log Kow of 0.68(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this estimated Koc value suggests that methylacrylonitrile is expected to have high mobility in soil(SRC).

LACRIMATOR, INSIDIOUS POISON, DELAYED SKIN REACTION.

TOXIC BY INGESTION, INHALATION, & SKIN ABSORPTION.

U152; As stipulated in 40 CFR 261.33, when methylacrylonitrile, as a commercial chemical product or manufacturing chemical intermediate or an off-specification commercial chemical product or a manufacturing chemical intermediate, becomes a waste, it must be managed according to Federal and/or State hazardous waste regulations. Also defined as a hazardous waste is any residue, contaminated soil, water, or other debris resulting from the cleanup of a spill, into water or on dry land, of this waste. Generators of small quantities of this waste may qualify for partial exclusion from hazardous waste regulations (40 CFR 261.5).

Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 1000 lb or 454 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802; In the Washington D.C. metropolitan area (202) 426-2675. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV. D.3.b).

Releases of CERCLA hazardous substances are subject to the release reporting requirement of CERCLA section 103, codified at 40 CFR part 302, in addition to the requirements of 40 CFR part 355. Methylacrylonitrile is an extremely hazardous substance (EHS) subject to reporting requirements when stored in amounts in excess of its threshold planning quantity (TPQ) of 500 lbs.

Methacrylonitrile

1

10000

Toxic chemical that can be released at a facility.

FOLLOWING ADMINISTRATION OF A SINGLE DOSE OF 50 MG/KG IP TO RATS, METHACRYLONITRILE WAS SLOWLY ELIMINATED IN THE URINE AND WAS NO LONGER DETECTABLE AFTER 4-5 DAYS. FREE HYDROGEN CYANIDE WAS DETECTABLE ONLY ON THE FIRST DAY IN THE URINE & BOUND HYDROGEN CYANIDE ONLY THE FIRST 2 DAYS AFTER TREATMENT. DISTRIBUTION IN THE ORGANS OF UNCHANGED METHACRYLONITRILE & HYDROGEN CYANIDE WAS STUDIED.

... READILY ABSORBED THROUGH SKIN.

FOLLOWING ADMINISTRATION OF A SINGLE DOSE OF 50 MG/KG IP TO RATS, METHACRYLONITRILE WAS SLOWLY ELIMINATED IN THE URINE AND WAS NO LONGER DETECTABLE AFTER 4-5 DAYS. FREE HYDROGEN CYANIDE WAS DETECTABLE ONLY ON THE FIRST DAY IN THE URINE & BOUND HYDROGEN CYANIDE ONLY THE FIRST 2 DAYS AFTER TREATMENT. DISTRIBUTION IN THE ORGANS OF UNCHANGED METHACRYLONITRILE & HYDROGEN CYANIDE WAS STUDIED.

Used in synthesis of plastic elastomers, coatings, and other organic chemicals; [ACGIH]

In prepn of homopolymers and copolymers; as an intermediate in prepn of acids, amides, amines, esters, nitriles

Vinyl nitrile monomer, copolymer with styrene, butadiene, etc, elastomers, coatings, plastics

MONOMER FOR POLYMETHACRYLONITRILE

2023: 1,000,000 - <5,000,000 lb

(1979) PROBABLY GREATER THAN 4.54X10+6 G

(1981) PROBABLY GREATER THAN 2.27X10+6 G

CBI

2-Propenenitrile, 2-methyl-: ACTIVE