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Nitriles are organic compounds that contain the cyanide group. The aliphatic nitriles can cause cyanide poisoning after metabolism in the liver releases cyanide. [LaDou, p. 447] Nitriles with high vapor pressures include acetonitrile, acrylonitrile, isobutyronitrile, methylacrylonitrile, butyronitrile, and propionitrile. Skin absorption is a significant hazard for many nitriles. Of those evaluated by ACGIH, only acetonitrile and m-phthalodinitrile were not given the skin designation. m-Phthalodinitrile and benzonitrile are aromatic nitriles. Unlike the aliphatic nitriles, aromatic nitriles such as m-phthalodinitrile do not liberate cyanide in the body. [ACGIH] For possible reproductive effects, see acrylonitrile and acetonitrile. |
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