Acetonitrile AX0142-P Page: 1/1


Material Safety Data Sheet
Acetonitrile
Section 1. Product and Company Identification
Product name : Acetonitrile
Product code : AX0142-P
Synonym : Ethanenitrile; Methyl Cyanide
Material uses : Other non-specified industry: Analytical reagent.
Manufacturer : EMD Chemicals Inc.
P.O. Box 70
480 Democrat Road
Gibbstown, NJ 08027
856-423-6300 Technical Service
Monday - Friday: 8:00 - 5:00 PM
Validation date : ***.
Print date :
In case of emergency : 800-424-9300 CHEMTREC (USA)
613-996-6666 CANUTEC (Canada)
24 Hours/Day: 7 Days/Week


Section 2. Hazards Identification
Physical state : Liquid. (Colorless.)
Odor : Aromatic.
OSHA/HCS status : This material is considered hazardous by the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200). 
Emergency overview : DANGER! POISON!
HARMFUL IF INHALED, ABSORBED THROUGH SKIN OR SWALLOWED.
CAUSES DAMAGE TO THE FOLLOWING ORGANS: KIDNEYS, LIVER, CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM, RESPIRATORY TRACT, SKIN, CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM, EYE, LENS OR CORNEA.
FLAMMABLE LIQUID AND VAPOR.
VAPOR MAY CAUSE FLASH FIRE.
MAY CAUSE RESPIRATORY TRACT, EYE AND SKIN IRRITATION.
BREATHING HIGH VAPOR CONCENTRATIONS MAY CAUSE CYANIDE POISONING.
Do not ingest. Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothing. Avoid breathing vapor or mist. Keep away from heat, sparks and flame. Keep container closed. Use only with adequate ventilation. Wash thoroughly after handling.
Routes of entry : Dermal contact. Eye contact. Inhalation. Ingestion.
Potential acute health effects
Eyes : Moderately irritating to eyes.
Skin : Toxic in contact with skin. Moderately irritating to the skin.
Inhalation : Toxic by inhalation. Moderately irritating to the respiratory system.
Ingestion : Toxic if swallowed.
Carcinogenic effects : No known significant effects or critical hazards.
Mutagenic effects : No known significant effects or critical hazards.
Teratogenicity / Reproductive toxicity : No known significant effects or critical hazards.
Medical conditions aggravated by over-exposure : Repeated skin exposure can produce local skin destruction or dermatitis. Repeated or prolonged exposure to the substance can produce lung damage. Repeated or prolonged contact with spray or mist may produce chronic eye irritation and severe skin irritation. Repeated or prolonged exposure to the substance can produce target organs damage.
See toxicological information (section 11)


Section 3. Composition/Information on Ingredients
United States
Name CAS number % by Weight
Acetonitrile 75-05-8 100


Section 4. First Aid Measures
Eye contact : Get medical attention immediately. Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Check for and remove any contact lenses.
Skin contact : Get medical attention immediately. Flush contaminated skin with plenty of water. Continue to rinse for at least 10 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash contaminated clothing thoroughly with water before removing or wear gloves. Wash clothing before reuse. Clean shoes thoroughly before reuse.
Inhalation : Get medical attention immediately. Move exposed person to fresh air. If it is suspected that fumes are still present, the rescuer should wear an appropriate mask or self-contained breathing apparatus. Keep person warm and at rest. If not breathing, if breathing is irregular or if respiratory arrest occurs, provide artificial respiration or oxygen by trained personnel. It may be dangerous to the person providing aid to give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. If unconscious, place in recovery position and get medical attention immediately. Maintain an open airway. Loosen tight clothing such as a collar, tie, belt or waistband.
Ingestion : Get medical attention immediately. Wash out mouth with water. Remove dentures if any. Move exposed person to fresh air. Keep person warm and at rest. If material has been swallowed and the exposed person is conscious, give small quantities of water to drink. Stop if the exposed person feels sick as vomiting may be dangerous. Do not induce vomiting unless directed to do so by medical personnel. If vomiting occurs, the head should be kept low so that vomit does not enter the lungs. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. If unconscious, place in recovery position and get medical attention immediately. Maintain an open airway. Loosen tight clothing such as a collar, tie, belt or waistband.
Protection of first-aiders : No action shall be taken involving any personal risk or without suitable training. If it is suspected that fumes are still present, the rescuer should wear an appropriate mask or self-contained breathing apparatus. It may be dangerous to the person providing aid to give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.


Section 5. Fire Fighting Measures
Flammability of the product : Flammable liquid and vapor. Vapor may cause flash fire. Vapors may accumulate in low or confined areas or travel a considerable distance to a source of ignition and flash back. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard.
Products of combustion : These products are carbon oxides (CO, CO2), nitrogen oxides (NO, NO2 etc.).
Extinguishing media
Suitable : Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray (fog) or foam.
Not suitable : Do not use water jet.
Special exposure hazards : Not available.
Special protective equipment for fire-fighters : Fire-fighters should wear appropriate protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) with a full face-piece operated in positive pressure mode.
Special remarks on fire hazards : Dangerous fire and explosion risk. Vapor may travel a considerable distance to source of ignition and flash back.


Section 6. Accidental Release Measures
Personal precautions : Immediately contact emergency personnel. Eliminate all ignition sources. Keep unnecessary personnel away. Use suitable protective equipment. Do not touch or walk through spilled material.
Environmental precautions : Avoid dispersal of spilled material and runoff and contact with soil, waterways, drains and sewers.
Methods for cleaning up : If emergency personnel are unavailable, contain spilled material. For small spills, add absorbent (soil may be used in the absence of other suitable materials) and use a non-sparking or explosion-proof means to transfer material to a sealable, appropriate container for disposal. For large spills, dike spilled material or otherwise contain material to ensure runoff does not reach a waterway. Place spilled material in an appropriate container for disposal.


Section 7. Handling and Storage
Handling : Do not ingest. Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothing. Keep container closed. Use only with adequate ventilation. Avoid breathing vapor or mist. Keep away from heat, sparks and flame. To avoid fire or explosion, dissipate static electricity during transfer by grounding and bonding containers and equipment before transferring material. Use explosion-proof electrical (ventilating, lighting and material handling) equipment. Wash thoroughly after handling.
Storage : Store in a segregated and approved area. Keep container in a cool, well-ventilated area. Keep container tightly closed and sealed until ready for use. Avoid all possible sources of ignition (spark or flame).


Section 8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
Product name Exposure limits
United States
Acetonitrile ACGIH (United States, 1996).
STEL: 101 mg/m3
TWA: 67 mg/m3
OSHA (United States, 1989).
STEL: 105 mg/m3
TWA: 70 mg/m3
NIOSH REL (United States, 12/2001).
TWA: 34 mg/m3 10 hour/hours. Form: All forms
TWA: 20 ppm 10 hour/hours. Form: All forms
OSHA PEL (United States, 8/1997).
TWA: 70 mg/m3 8 hour/hours. Form: All forms
TWA: 40 ppm 8 hour/hours. Form: All forms
OSHA PEL 1989 (United States, 3/1989).
STEL: 105 mg/m3 15 minute/minutes. Form: All forms
STEL: 60 ppm 15 minute/minutes. Form: All forms
TWA: 70 mg/m3 8 hour/hours. Form: All forms
TWA: 40 ppm 8 hour/hours. Form: All forms
ACGIH TLV (United States, 1/2005). Skin Notes: Refers to Appendix A -- Carcinogens. 2002 Adoption.
TWA: 20 ppm 8 hour/hours. Form: All forms
Consult local authorities for acceptable exposure limits.
Engineering measures : Use only with adequate ventilation. If user operations generate dust, fumes, vapor or mist, use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation or other engineering controls to keep worker exposure to airborne contaminants below any recommended or statutory limits. The engineering controls also need to keep gas, vapor or dust concentrations below any lower explosive limits. Use explosion-proof ventilation equipment.
Personal protection
Eyes : Safety eyewear complying with an approved standard should be used when a risk assessment indicates this is necessary to avoid exposure to liquid splashes, mists, gases or dusts.
Recommended: splash goggles
Skin : Personal protective equipment for the body should be selected based on the task being performed and the risks involved and should be approved by a specialist before handling this product.
Body: Recommended: lab coat
Respiratory : Use a properly fitted, air-purifying or air-fed respirator complying with an approved standard if a risk assessment indicates this is necessary. Respirator selection must be based on known or anticipated exposure levels, the hazards of the product and the safe working limits of the selected respirator.
Hands : Chemical-resistant, impervious gloves complying with an approved standard should be worn at all times when handling chemical products if a risk assessment indicates this is necessary. Recommended: nitrile rubber
Hygiene measures : Wash hands, forearms and face thoroughly after handling chemical products, before eating, smoking and using the lavatory and at the end of the working period. Appropriate techniques should be used to remove potentially contaminated clothing. Wash contaminated clothing before reusing. Ensure that eyewash stations and safety showers are close to the workstation location.


Section 9. Physical and Chemical Properties
Physical state : Liquid. (Colorless.)
Flash point : Closed cup: 5.85°C (42.5°F).
Auto-ignition temperature : 524°C (975.2°F)
Flammable limits : Lower: 3% Upper: 16%
Color : Colorless.
Odor : Aromatic.
Molecular weight : 41.06 g/mole
Molecular formula : C2-H3-N
Boiling/condensation point : 81.67°C (179°F)
Melting/freezing point : -41.9°C (-43.4°F)
Critical temperature : 274.8°C (526.6°F)
Relative density : 0.787 (Water = 1)
Vapor pressure : 9.7 kPa (72.8 mm Hg) (at 20°C)
Vapor density : 1.42 (Air = 1)
Volatility : 100% (v/v)
Odor threshold : 40 ppm
Evaporation rate : 2.33 compared with Butyl acetate.
VOC : 100 (%)


Section 10. Stability and Reactivity
Stability and reactivity : The product is stable.
Incompatibility with various substances : Highly reactive or incompatible with the following materials: oxidizing materials, reducing materials, acids and alkalis.
Hazardous decomposition products : carbon oxides (CO, CO2) nitrogen oxides (NO, NO2 etc.) Hydrogen cyanide (HCN).
Hazardous polymerization : Will not occur.
Conditions of reactivity : Highly flammable in the presence of the following materials or conditions: open flames, sparks and static discharge, heat, shocks and mechanical impacts and oxidizing materials.
Dangerous fire and explosion risk. Vapor may travel a considerable distance to source of ignition and flash back.
Highly explosive in the presence of the following materials or conditions: open flames, sparks and static discharge, heat, shocks and mechanical impacts and oxidizing materials.


Section 11. Toxicological Information
Toxicity data
United States
Product/ingredient name Test Result Route Species
Acetonitrile LD50
LD50
LD50
2460 mg/kg
50 mg/kg
177 mg/kg
Oral
Oral
Oral
Rat
Rabbit
Guinea pig
Chronic effects on humans : CARCINOGENIC EFFECTS: A4 (Not classifiable for humans or animals.) by ACGIH.
Causes damage to the following organs: kidneys, liver, cardiovascular system, upper respiratory tract, skin, central nervous system (CNS), eye, lens or cornea.
Other toxic effects on humans : Very hazardous in case of skin contact (permeator), of ingestion, .
Hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of eye contact (irritant), of inhalation (lung irritant).
Specific effects
Carcinogenic effects : No known significant effects or critical hazards.
Mutagenic effects : No known significant effects or critical hazards.
Teratogenicity / Reproductive toxicity : No known significant effects or critical hazards.
Sensitization
Ingestion : No known significant effects or critical hazards.
Inhalation : Moderately irritating to the respiratory system.
Eyes : Moderately irritating to eyes.
Skin : Moderately irritating to the skin.


Section 12. Ecological Information
Ecotoxicity data
United States
Product/ingredient name Species Period Result
Acetonitrile Daphnia magna (LC50)
Pimephales promelas (LC50)
Pimephales promelas (LC50)
96 hour/hours
96 hour/hours
96 hour/hours
>100 mg/l
>100 mg/l
1640 mg/l
Environmental precautions : No known significant effects or critical hazards.
Products of degradation : These products are carbon oxides (CO, CO2) and water, nitrogen oxides (NO, NO2 etc.).
Toxicity of the products of biodegradation : The products of degradation are less toxic than the product itself.


Section 13. Disposal Considerations
Waste disposal : The generation of waste should be avoided or minimized wherever possible. Avoid dispersal of spilled material and runoff and contact with soil, waterways, drains and sewers. Disposal of this product, solutions and any by-products should at all times comply with the requirements of environmental protection and waste disposal legislation and any regional local authority requirements.
Disposal should be in accordance with applicable regional, national and local laws and regulations. Local regulations may be more stringent than regional or national requirements.

The information presented below only applies to the material as supplied. The identification based on characteristic(s) or listing may not apply if the material has been used or otherwise contaminated. It is the responsibility of the waste generator to determine the toxicity and physical properties of the material generated to determine the proper waste identification and disposal methods in compliance with applicable regulations.

Refer to Section 7: HANDLING AND STORAGE and Section 8: EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION for additional handling information and protection of employees.


Section 14. Transport Information
Regulatory information UN number Proper shipping name Class PG* Label Additional information
DOT Classification UN1648 ACETONITRILE 3 II DOT Class 3 - Flammable liquid Reportable quantity
5000 lbs. (2268 kg)
PG* : Packing group


Section 15. Regulatory Information
United States
HCS Classification : Flammable liquid
Toxic material
Irritating material
Target organ effects
U.S. Federal regulations : TSCA 8(b) inventory: Listed
SARA 302/304/311/312 extremely hazardous substances: No products were found.
SARA 302/304 emergency planning and notification: No products were found.
SARA 302/304/311/312 hazardous chemicals: Acetonitrile
SARA 311/312 MSDS distribution - chemical inventory - hazard identification: Acetonitrile : Fire hazard, Immediate (acute) health hazard, Delayed (chronic) health hazard
Clean Water Act (CWA) 307: Acetonitrile
Clean Water Act (CWA) 311: No products were found.
Clean Air Act (CAA) 112 accidental release prevention: No products were found.
Clean Air Act (CAA) 112 regulated flammable substances: No products were found.
Clean Air Act (CAA) 112 regulated toxic substances: No products were found.
SARA 313
Product name CAS number Concentration
Form R - Reporting requirements :
Acetonitrile 75-05-8 100
Supplier notification :
Acetonitrile 75-05-8 100
SARA 313 notifications must not be detached from the MSDS and any copying and redistribution of the MSDS shall include copying and redistribution of the notice attached to copies of the MSDS subsequently redistributed.
State regulations : Pennsylvania RTK: Acetonitrile : (environmental hazard, generic environmental hazard)
Massachusetts RTK: Acetonitrile
New Jersey: Acetonitrile
Canada
WHMIS (Canada) : Class B-2: Flammable liquid
Class D-1A: Material causing immediate and serious toxic effects (Very toxic).
Class D-2B: Material causing other toxic effects (Toxic).
CEPA DSL/CEPA NDSL : CEPA DSL: Acetonitrile
This product has been classified according to the hazard criteria of the CPR and the MSDS contains all the information required by the CPR.
EU regulations
Hazard symbol/symbols :
DSD Class F Highly flammable DSD Class Xn Harmful
Risk phrases : R11- Highly flammable.
R20/21/22- Harmful by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed.
R36- Irritating to eyes.
Safety phrases : S1/2- Keep locked up and out of the reach of children.
S16- Keep away from sources of ignition - No smoking.
S36/37- Wear suitable protective clothing and gloves.
International regulations
International lists : Australia (NICNAS): Acetonitrile

China: Acetonitrile

Germany water class: Acetonitrile

Japan (METI): Acetonitrile

Korea (TCCL): Acetonitrile

Philippines (RA6969): Acetonitrile


Section 16. Other Information
Label requirements : DANGER! POISON!
HARMFUL IF INHALED, ABSORBED THROUGH SKIN OR SWALLOWED.
CAUSES DAMAGE TO THE FOLLOWING ORGANS: KIDNEYS, LIVER, CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM, RESPIRATORY TRACT, SKIN, CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM, EYE, LENS OR CORNEA.
FLAMMABLE LIQUID AND VAPOR.
VAPOR MAY CAUSE FLASH FIRE.
MAY CAUSE RESPIRATORY TRACT, EYE AND SKIN IRRITATION.
BREATHING HIGH VAPOR CONCENTRATIONS MAY CAUSE CYANIDE POISONING.
National Fire Protection Association (U.S.A.) :

Health
3 Flammability
2 0 Instability
Special
Notice to reader
The statements contained herein are based upon technical data that EMD Chemicals Inc. believes to be reliable, are offered for information purposes only and as a guide to the appropriate precautionary and emergency handling of the material by a properly trained person having the necessary technical skills. Users should consider these data only as a supplement to other information gathered by them and must make independent determinations of suitability and completeness of information from all sources to assure proper use, storage and disposal of these materials and the safety and health of employees and customers and the protection of the environment. EMD CHEMICALS INC. MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR USE, WITH RESPECT TO THE INFORMATION HEREIN OR THE PRODUCT TO WHICH THE INFORMATION REFERS.