| Agent Name |
Acetone cyanohydrin |
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| CAS Number |
75-86-5 |
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| Formula |
C4-H7-N-O |
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| Major Category |
Toxic Gases & Vapors |
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| Synonyms |
Cyanohydrin-2-propanone; 2-Cyano-2-propanol; alpha-Hydroxyisobutyronitrile; 2-Hydroxy-2-methyl-propionitrile; 2-Methyllactonitrile; [NIOSH] UN1541 |
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| Category |
Chemical Asphyxiants |
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| Description |
Colorless liquid with a faint odor of bitter almond. (Note: Forms cyanide in the body.) [NIOSH] |
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| Sources/Uses |
Used to manufacture insecticides, methyl methacrylate, and other organic chemicals; [HSDB] |
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| Comments |
Liquid causes first degree burns on short exposure; [CHRIS] When heated to 248 degrees F. or to lower temperatures under alkaline conditions, acetone cyanohydrin will decompose, releasing hydrogen cyanide. Hepatic necrosis is seen in rats fed 5 mg twice a week for 3 to 8 months. A lachrymator; [HSDB] At room temperature, it rapidly reaches harmful concentrations concentrations and can cause asphyxiation and death. [ICSC] Rats survive 5 minute exposures to saturated concentrations. [CHEMINFO] |
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| Exposure Assessment |
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| Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
Yes |
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| Ceiling (ACGIH) |
5 mg/m3, as CN |
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| Vapor Pressure |
0.34 mm Hg |
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| Odor Threshold Low |
3 ppm |
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| Lethal Concentration |
LCLo (rats) = 63 ppm/4h |
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| Explanatory Notes |
Acetone cyanohydrin (stabilized) vapor pressure, kPa at 20 degrees C: 3.0 (22.5 mm Hg) [ICSC] Flash Point = 165 deg F; Odor threshold (recognition); [CHEMINFO] |
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| Reference Link |
International Chemical Safety Cards (WHO/IPCS/ILO) |
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| Flammability (NFPA) |
2: high ambient temperature required |
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| Adverse Effects |
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| Dermatotoxin |
Skin Burns |
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| Lacrimator |
Yes |
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| Hepatotoxin |
Hepatotoxin, Secondary |
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| Other Poison |
Chemical Asphyxiant |
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| Links to Other NLM Databases |
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| Health Studies |
Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: ACETONE CYANOHYDRIN
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