Isobutyronitrile

Nitrogen Compounds -> Nitriles

Flammable agents - 3rd degree

0.733 to 0.7608 at 68 to 86 °F (EPA, 1998)

0.7704 g/cu cm at 20 °C

0.7704 @ 20°C

0.76

Slight (NIOSH, 2024)

Soluble in water

Slightly soluble in water

Very soluble in ethanol, ether, acetone and chloroform

Very soluble in alcohol, ether

Slight

47 °F (EPA, 1998)

8 °C

8 °C (46 °F) - closed cup

47 °F (8 °C) - closed cup

47 °F

219 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998)

102 °C

103.9 °C @760 [mm Hg]

219 °F

-96.7 °F (EPA, 1998)

-71.5 °C

-71.5 °C

-97 °F

Danger

H225 (87.1%): Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]

P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P260, P261, P262, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P284, P301+P316, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P316, P319, P320, P321, P330, P332+P317, P337+P317, P361+P364, P362+P364, P370+P378, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 210 reports by companies from 19 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Danger

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

Chemical: Propanenitrile, 2-methyl-

Propanenitrile, 2-methyl- is listed on the EPA's Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) system. Manufacturers and importers of Propanenitrile, 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: 12-04-2022 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/19480

Propanenitrile, 2-methyl-: HSNO Approval: HSR001175 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.)

Vapor may explode if ignited in an enclosed area. Toxic oxides of nitrogen are produced during combustion. It is a flammable/combustible material and may be ignited by heat, sparks, or flames. Vapors may travel to a source of ignition and flash back. Container may explode in heat of fire. Vapor explosion and poison hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Hazardous polymerization may not occur. (EPA, 1998)

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

Poisonous; may be fatal if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through skin. Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes. (Non-Specific -- Nitriles) Primarily, they are skin and eye irritants. Large doses cause collapse and stop breathing. (EPA, 1998)

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

2284 131

2284 131

/GUIDE 131 FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS - TOXIC/ Fire or Explosion: HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Vapor explosion and poison hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids are lighter than water.

/GUIDE 131 FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS - TOXIC/ Health: TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin. Inhalation or contact with some of these materials will irritate or burn skin and eyes. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.

/GUIDE 131 FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS - TOXIC/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number on Shipping Paper first. If Shipping Paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover. As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream. Ventilate closed spaces before entering.

/GUIDE 131 FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS - TOXIC/ Protective Clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer. It may provide little or no thermal protection. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides limited protection in fire situations ONLY; it is not effective in spill situations where direct contact with the substance is possible.

For more DOT Emergency Guidelines (Complete) data for 2-Methylpropanenitrile (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Keep unnecessary people away; isolate hazard area and deny entry. Stay upwind; keep out of low areas. Wear positive pressure breathing apparatus and special protective clothing. Isolate for 1/2 mile in all directions if tank car or truck is involved in fire. Move container from fire area if you can do so without risk. Dike fire control water for later disposal; do not scatter the material. Spray cooling water on containers that are exposed to flames until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety device or any discoloration of tank due to fire.

· 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: Heart palpitation may occur within minutes after exposure. High doses can stop breathing. Vital signs should be monitored closely. Caution is advised.

General First Aid:

(General first aid procedures)

Vapor explosion and poison hazard indoors, outdoors, or in sewers. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Vapors are heavier than air and will collect in low areas. Vapors may travel long distances to ignition sources and flashback. Vapors in confined areas may explode when exposed to fire. Containers may explode in fire. Storage containers and parts of containers may rocket great distances, in many directions.

Suitable extinguishing media: For small (incipient) fires, use media such as "alcohol" foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide. For large fires, apply water from as far as possible. Use very large quantities (flooding) of water applied as a mist or spray; solid streams of water may be ineffective. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water.

Advice for firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.

Use water spray to cool unopened containers.

Extinguish with dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray, foam, or fog. Keep unnecessary people away; isolate hazard area and deny entry. Stay upwind; keep out of low areas. Wear positive pressure breathing apparatus and special protective clothing. Isolate for 1/2 mile in all directions if tank car or truck is involved in fire. Move container from fire area if you can do so without risk. Dike fire control water for later disposal; do not scatter the material. ... If material or contaminated runoff enters waterways, notify downstream users of potentially contaminated waters. Notify local health and fire officials and pollution control agencies. From a secure, explosion-proof location, use water spray to cool exposed containers. If cooling streams are ineffective (venting sound increases in volume and pitch, tank discolors, or shows any signs of deforming), withdraw immediately to a secure position. ... The only respirators recommended for firefighting are self-contained breathing apparatuses that have full face-pieces and are operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode.

If material on fire or involved in fire: Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped. Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Solid streams of water may spread fire. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. Use "alcohol" foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.

Store in cool place. Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.

Store in a flammable liquid storage area or approved cabinet away from ignition sources and corrosive and reactive materials. Prior to working with this chemical you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. Before entering confined space where this chemical may be present, check to make sure that an explosive concentration does not exist. Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from oxidizers. Where possible, automatically pump liquid from drums or other storage containers to process containers.

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Wear respiratory protection. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Remove all sources of ignition. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Beware of vapors accumulating to form explosive concentrations. Vapors can accumulate in low areas. Environmental precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains. Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Contain spillage, and then collect with an electrically protected vacuum cleaner or by wet-brushing and place in container for disposal according to local regulations.

Keep sparks, flames, and other sources od ignition away. Establish forced ventilation to keep levels below explosive limit. Build dikes to control flow as necessary. Attempt to stop leak if this can be done without hazard. Use water spray to disperse vapors and dilute standing pools of liquid. Avoid breathing vapors. Keep upwind. Avoid bodily contact with the material. Do not handle broken packages without protective equipment. Wash away any material which may have contacted the body with copious amounts of water or soap and water. Wear positive pressure breathing apparatus and special protective clothing. Shut off ignition sources; no flares, smoking, or flames in hazard area. Do not touch spilled material. Use water spray to reduce vapors. Small spills: Absorb with sand or other noncombustible absorbent material and place into containers for later disposal. Large spills: Dike far ahead of spill for later disposal. Keep this chemical out of a confined space, such as a sewer, because of the possibility of an explosion, unless the sewer is designed to prevent the buildup of explosive concentrations. It may be necessary to contain and dispose of this chemical has a hazardous waste. If material or contaminated runoff enters waterways, notify downstream users of potentially contaminated waters.

SRP: Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in air, soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations. If it is possible or reasonable use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination.

SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal. If it is not practicable to manage the chemical in this fashion, it must be evaluated in accordance with EPA 40 CFR Part 261, specifically Subpart B, in order to determine the appropriate local, state and federal requirements for disposal.

Product: Burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber but exert extra care in igniting as this material is highly flammable. Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material; Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.

A poor candidate for incineration. /Cyanides/

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Wear respiratory protection. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Remove all sources of ignition. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Beware of vapors accumulating to form explosive concentrations. Vapors can accumulate in low areas. Environmental precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains.

Precautions for safe handling: Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Avoid inhalation of vapor or mist. Use explosion-proof equipment. Keep away from sources of ignition - No smoking. Take measures to prevent the build up of electrostatic charge.

Appropriate engineering controls: Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing. Wash hands before breaks and immediately after handling the product.

Gloves must be inspected prior to use. Use proper glove removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices. Wash and dry hands.

For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for 2-Methylpropanenitrile (11 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

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

Immediate precautionary measure

EC50; Species: Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata (Green Algae) 15000 cells/mL; Conditions: freshwater, static, 24 °C; Concentration: 728500 ug/L for 48 hr; Effect: decreased population growth rate

EC50; Species: Pimephales promelas (Fathead Minnow) cell line derived from tissue posterior to anus; Conditions: freshwater, in vitro, 34 °C; Concentration: 37200000 ug/L for 24 hr; Effect: cell biochemistry, decreased protein content

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 37(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 0.46(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that 2-methylpropanenitrile is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of 2-methylpropanenitrile from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 5.4X10-5 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), using a fragment constant estimation method(4). 2-Methylpropanenitrile is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 32.7 mm Hg at 25 °C(5). A 53.9% of theoretical BOD using activated sludge in the Japanese MITI test(6) suggests that biodegradation is an important environmental fate process in soil(SRC).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 37(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 0.46(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that 2-methylpropanenitrile is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(4) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 5.4X10-5 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), developed using a fragment constant estimation method(5). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(4), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 16 hours and 7 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(6), an estimated BCF of 3.2(SRC), from its log Kow(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). A 53.9% of theoretical BOD using activated sludge in the Japanese MITI test(7) suggests that biodegradation is an important environmental fate process in water(SRC).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), 2-methylpropanenitrile which has a vapor pressure of 32.7 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase 2-methylpropanenitrile 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 15 days(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 7.0X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(3). 2-Methylpropanenitrile does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(4) and, therefore, is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

IDENTIFICATION AND USE: 2-Methylpropanenitrile is a colorless liquid. It is used as intermediate for insecticides, solvent, as a catalyst in the polymerization of ethylene. HUMAN STUDIES: Potential symptoms of overexposure are irritation of eyes, skin, nose, throat; headache, dizziness, weakness, giddiness, confusion, convulsions, dyspnea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting. Cases of inhalation exposure included loss of consciousnesses, tonic-clonic movements of the arms, dilated pupils, weak pulse, shallow and gasping breathing, and cyanosis. ANIMAL STUDIES: Local effects in rabbit's eyes included reddening of eyelids and conjunctiva, edema, and tearing. Vapor inhalation at a calculated concentration of 5500 ppm for approximately 1 hr killed all rats. In rats and mice exposed orally the symptoms were those of weakness, vasodilation, tremors, and convulsions. Thiocyanate was present in the urine. Rats exposed at 38.6 mg/kg orally showed definite parenchymatous degeneration of the liver, with male rats showing a greater degree of degeneration than females. Increased weight of stomach, liver, and adrenal glands were found at doses of 200 mg/kg orally. It was concluded that 2-methylpropanenitrile causes hepatic damage. In rabbits the direct cause of death after iv administration was respiratory arrest from depression of the central mechanism of ventilation control. The mice showed central nervous system signs such as respiratory paralysis, slight hyperkinesia, increase in frequency and amplitude of respiration, clonic movements of limbs, diminution of pain sensitivity, and decreased frequency in respiration with cessation and death at 20-30 min after injection.

The following link will take the user to the National Toxicology Program (NTP) Test Status of Agents Search page, which tabulates the results and current status of tests such as "Short-Term Toxicity Studies", "Long-term Carcinogenicity Studies", "Developmental Studies", "Genetic Toxicology Studies", etc., performed with this chemical. Testing status for 2-methylpropanenitrile is available.[Available from, as of March 27, 2018: https://ntpsearch.niehs.nih.gov/?e=True&ContentType=Testing+Status]

EPA has released the Interactive Chemical Safety for Sustainability (iCSS) Dashboard. The iCSS Dashboard provides an interactive tool to explore rapid, automated (or in vitro high-throughput) chemical screening data generated by the Toxicity Forecaster (ToxCast) project and the federal Toxicity Testing in the 21st century (Tox21) collaboration. /The title compound was tested by ToxCast and/or Tox21 assays/[USEPA; ICSS Dashboard Application; Available from, as of March 27, 2018: http://actor.epa.gov/dashboard/]

In a study published in 1979, a product water effluent from a coal gasification facility in Hanna, WY was found to contain a 2-methylpropanenitrile concentration of 53 ppb(1); a product water effluent from a coal gasification facility in Gillette, WY was found to contain a 2-methylpropanenitrile concentration of 34 ppb(1); retort water from a shale-oil processing facility in Rock Springs, WY contained a 2-methylpropanenitrile concentration of 5 ppb(1). Analysis of off-gas from a shale-oil processing facility in Rio Blanco in 1980 found 2-methylpropanenitrile concentrations of 1-16 ppm(2). 2-Methylpropionitrile was detected at a concentration of 2.3 mg/L in condensate retort water produced from January to May of 1979 as an oil-shale processing facility in Colorado(3). 2-Methylpropanenitrile was detected at a concentration of 2 ug/L in a wastewater sample from an unidentified municipal wastewater treatment plant(4).

The Koc of 2-methylpropanenitrile is estimated as 37(SRC), using a log Kow of 0.46(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this estimated Koc value suggests that 2-methylpropanenitrile is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC).

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Potential symptoms of overexposure are irritation of eyes, skin, nose, throat; headache, dizziness, weakness, giddiness, confusion, convulsions; dyspnea; abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting.

/CASE REPORTS/ Two milder inhalation exposures of isobutyronitrile were reported ... in which an unknown concentration of vapor produced headache, dizziness, and vomiting at 10-60 min after exposure. The intensity of symptoms varied with the concentration and duration of exposure.

/CASE REPORTS/ ... A 44-year-old man became unconscious while filling a tank with isobutyronitrile. He exhibited tonic-clonic movements of the arms, dilated pupils, weak pulse, shallow and gasping breathing, and cyanosis. After successive treatment with 1 mg norepinephrine intravenously, amyl nitrite, and sodium thiosulfate, followed by intravenous lobeline and phenobarbital, the patient's condition improved rapidly. Four hours after the exposure the patient was fully conscious, but complained of a headache during the following days. He was discharged 14 days after the hospital admission.

2-Methylpropanenitrile's production and use as an intermediate for insecticides(1) and as a solvent(2) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC). 2-Methylpropanenitrile has been detected in wastewater effluents from coal gasification and shale oil processing facilities(3,4). It has also been detected in wastewater at a municipal wastewater treatment facility(5). 2-Methylpropanenitrile has been identified as a constituent of tobacco, tobacco smoke, and tobacco substitute smoke(6).

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. Isobutyronitrile is an extremely hazardous substance (EHS) subject to reporting requirements when stored in amounts in excess of its threshold planning quantity (TPQ) of 1000 lbs.

Isobutyronitrile

1

20000

Toxic chemical that can be released at a facility.

1. A method for determination of cyanide release during microsomal metabolism of organonitriles was developed. 2. Vmax values for cyanide release from acetonitrile, propionitrile, butyronitrile, isobutyronitrile, acrylonitrile, benzyl cyanide and succinonitrile were determined for rat nasal and liver microsomal metabolism. 3. Km and Vmax values were determined for nasal and liver microsomal metabolism of benzyl cyanide to cyanide. 4. Vmax values were all greater in nasal microsomes than in liver microsomes. Except for acrylonitrile, butyronitrile and isobutyronitrile metabolism, the ethmoturbinate microsomes had higher activities than the maxilloturbinate microsomes. 5. Two methods for determining Vmax values indicate that rat liver, but not the nose, contains at least two cytochrome P-450 isozymes involved in metabolism of benzyl cyanide to cyanide. 6. These results, and previously reported nasal rhodanese activity data, indicate that inhaled organonitriles are substantially detoxicated in the nasal cavity.

... The oral LD50 in rats /was found/ to be 50-100 mg/kg and in mice, 5-10 mg/kg. ... Thiocyanate was present in the urine.

Used in the synthesis of insecticides and gasoline additives; used as a catalyst in the production of polyethylene; [HSDB]

Intermediate for insecticides, etc.

Solvent

Isobutyronitrile ... is used in organic synthesis and as a gasoline additive

As a catalyst in the polymerization of ethylene.

Its major use is the synthesis of the insecticide diazinon.

2023: 550,000 - <1,000,000 lb

Non-confidential 2016 Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) information on the production and use of chemicals manufactured or imported into the United States. Chemical: 2-Methylpropanenitrile:

All Other Basic Organic Chemical Manufacturing

Propanenitrile, 2-methyl-: ACTIVE