Agent Name |
Benzyl cyanide |
Alternative Name |
Phenylacetonitrile |
CAS Number |
140-29-4 |
Formula |
C8-H7-N |
Major Category |
Toxic Gases & Vapors |
Synonyms |
(Cyanomethyl)benzene; 2-Phenylacetonitrile; Acetic acid, phenyl-nitrile; Acetonitrile, phenyl-; Benzeneacetonitrile; Benzyl nitrile; Benzylkyanid [Czech]; Benzylnitrile; Phenyl acetyl nitrile; Toluene, alpha-cyano-; alpha-Cyanotoluene; alpha-Tolunitrile; [ChemIDplus] UN2470 |
Category |
Nitriles |
Description |
Colorless liquid; [HSDB] Faintly yellow liquid, soluble in water; [MSDSonline] |
Sources/Uses |
Used in organic synthesis; as a chemical intermediate for pharmaceutical drugs; with esters for perfumes and flavors; in the synthesis of optical bleaches for fibers; in the production of insecticides; [HSDB] |
Comments |
A skin, eye, and mucous membrane irritant, possibly burning skin and eyes; Toxic by inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption; [CAMEO] Highly toxic; Oral LD50 (mouse) = 45.5 mg/kg; Skin LD50 (rat) = 2000 mg/kg; [MSDSonline] See "CYANIDES." |
Exposure Assessment |
PEL (OSHA) |
5 mg/m3, as CN |
MAK |
2 mg/m3, inhalable fraction, as CN |
IDLH (NIOSH) |
25 mg/m3, as CN |
Vapor Pressure |
0.08 mm Hg |
Lethal Concentration |
LC50 (rats) = 430 mg/m3/2h |
Explanatory Notes |
Flash point = 102 deg C; [HSDB] bp = 233.5 deg C; [Ullmann] |
Flammability (NFPA) |
1: must be preheated |
Adverse Effects |
Other Poison |
Chemical Asphyxiant |
Links to Other NLM Databases |
Health Studies |
Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: PHENYLACETONITRILE
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