General Description
A clear colorless liquid. Less dense than water. Flash point 55°F. Boiling point 195°F. Very be toxic by ingestion, inhalation and skin absorption. Used to make plastics and coatings.
Reactivity Profile
METHACRYLONITRILE is a colorless, flammable, toxic liquid. Explosive in the form of vapor when exposed to heat, flame or sparks. When heated to decomposition METHACRYLONITRILE, INHIBITED(126-98-7) emits toxic fumes of nitrile and oxides of nitrogen [Lewis, 3rd ed., 1993, p. 829].
Air & Water Reactions
Highly flammable. Soluble in water.
Hazard
Flammable. Toxic by ingestion, inhalation,
and skin absorption.
Health Hazard
A lacrimator (causes tearing); an insidious poison which causes delayed skin reactions. Very readily absorbed through skin. Highly toxic.
Potential Exposure
This material is used as a monomer
in the preparation of polymeric coatings and elastomers
Fire Hazard
Methacrylonitrile evolves flammable concentrations of vapor at temperatures down to 55.04F. Thus, at room temperatures, flammable concentrations are liable to be present. Toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides are released when the material burns. Also, the chemical will explode due to its tendency to polymerize violently. Avoid heat. Hazardous polymerization may occur.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any
contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least
15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek
medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the
skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately
with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately.
If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,
begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if
heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical
facility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and induce
vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit.
Medical observation is recommended for 24 to 48 hours
after breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be
delayed. As first aid for pulmonary edema, a qualified medical professional might consider administering a corticosteroid spray. Cigarette smoking may exacerbate pulmonary
injury and should be discouraged for at least 72 hours
following exposure. If symptoms develop or overexposure
is suspected, chest X-ray should be considered.
Shipping
UN3079 Methacrylonitrile, stabilized, Labels:
6.1; Hazard class: 6.1, 3-Flammable liquid, Inhalation
Hazard Zone B.
Incompatibilities
May form explosive mixture with air.
Methacrylonitrile evolves flammable concentrations of
vapor at temperatures down to 12.8C. Thus, at room temperatures, flammable concentrations are liable to be present. Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates, nitrates,
peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine, bromine,
fluorine, etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Keep
away from alkaline materials, strong bases, strong acids,
oxoacids, epoxides, aliphatic amines, alkanolamines, alkali,
and light. Heat sensitive; polymerization may occur due
to elevated temperature, visible light, or contact with
a concentrated alkali. Note: Typically contains 50 pm of monoethyl ether hydroquinone (662-62-8) as an inhibitor
to prevent polymerization.
Description
Methylacrylonitrile is a colorless liquid with an odor like bitter almonds. Odor threshold= 7.0 ppm. It is reported that methacrylonitrile cannot be detected by its smell even at concentrations which are already dangerous for humans. Hence, special attention must be given to ventilation and estimations of the amount of poison present and must be carried out frequently. Molecular weight= 67.10; Specific gravity (H2O:1)= 0.80;Boiling point=90.6℃; Freezing/Melting point=35.8℃; Vapor pressure= 71 mmHg at 25℃; Flash point=1.1℃ (cc). Explosive limits: LEL= 2%; UEL= 6.8%. Hazard Identification (based on NFPA-704 M Rating System): Health 2, Flammability 3, Reactivity 2. Slightly soluble in water; solubility in water=3%.
Chemical Properties
CLEAR COLOURLESS TO VERY SLIGHTLY YELLOW LIQUID
Chemical Properties
Methylacrylonitrile is a colorless liquid with
an odor like bitter almonds. It is reported that methacrylonitrile cannot be detected by its smell even at concentrations which are already dangerous for humans. Hence,
special attention must be given to ventilation and
estimations of the amount of poison present must be carried
out frequently.
Waste Disposal
Consult with environmental
regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal
practices. Generators of waste containing this contaminant
(≥100 kg/mo) must conform to EPA regulations governing
storage, transportation, treatment, and waste disposal. Add
alcoholic NaOH, then oxidize with sodium hypochlorite.
After reaction, flush to sewer with water
Uses
In preparation of homopolymers and copolymers; as an intermediate in the preparation of acids, amides, amines, esters, nitriles.
Uses
Methylacrylonitrile is used to make coating and elastomers and as an intermediate in the preparation of acids, amine, amides, and esters.
Uses
This study reports the toxicity and metabolism of Methacrylonitrile (MeAN) in normal male Sprague-Dawley rats and those pre-treated with caffeine, alcohol or both. These results suggest that caffeine inhibited and alcohol enhanced toxicity and metabolism of MeAN.
Production Methods
Methyl acrylonitrile can be derived from isobutyraldehyde.
storage
Color Code—Red: Flammability Hazard: 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 heat. Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibited where methylacrylonitrile is handled, used, or stored. Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more of methylacrylonitrile should be grounded and bonded. Drums must be equipped with self-closing valves, pressure vacuum bungs, and flame arresters. Use only nonsparking tools and equipment, especially when opening and closing containers of methylacrylonitrile. Wherever methylacrylonitrile is used, handled, manufactured, or stored, use explosion-proof electrical equipment and fittings.
Purification Methods
Wash it with saturated aqueous NaHSO3 (to remove inhibitors such as p-tert-butylcatechol), 1% NaOH in saturated NaCl and then with saturated NaCl. Dry it with CaCl2 and fractionally distil it under nitrogen to separate it from impurities such as methacrolein and acetone. [Beilstein 2 IV 1539.]