General Description
Insoluble in water and denser than water. Moderately toxic by ingestion. Readily ignited by sparks or flames. Burns intensely and persistently. Toxic oxides of nitrogen produced during combustion. Used as a catalyst, in vinyl polymerizations and a blowing agent for plastics.
Reactivity Profile
Self-decomposition or self-ignition may be triggered by heat, chemical reaction, friction or impact. Self-accelerating decomposition may occur if the specific control temperature is not maintained. These materials are particularly sensitive to temperature rises. AZODIISOBUTYRONITRILE(78-67-1) is an azo compound. Azo, diazo, azido compounds can detonate. This applies in particular to organic azides that have been sensitized by the addition of metal salts or strong acids. Toxic gases are formed by mixing materials of this class with acids, aldehydes, amides, carbamates, cyanides, inorganic fluorides, halogenated organics, isocyanates, ketones, metals, nitrides, peroxides, phenols, epoxides, acyl halides, and strong oxidizing or reducing agents. Flammable gases are formed by mixing materials in this group with alkali metals. Explosive combination can occur with strong oxidizing agents, metal salts, peroxides, and sulfides.
Air & Water Reactions
Dust may form an explosive mixture in air. Insoluble in water.
Hazard
Toxic by ingestion.
Potential Exposure
Azobisisobutylonitrile is both a nitrile
and azo compound. Used as a polymerization initiator, free
radical generator (or initiator); as a catalyst in vinyl polymerizations;
as a blowing agent for elastomers and plastics.
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
332 Azodiisobutyronitrile
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. Note:
Use amyl nitrate capsules if symptoms develop. All area
employees should be trained regularly in emergency measures
for cyanide poisoning and in CPR. A cyanide antidote
kit should be kept in the immediate work area and must be
rapidly available. Kit ingredients should be replaced every
1-2 years to ensure freshness. Persons trained in the use of
this kit; oxygen use, and CPR must be quickly available.
Shipping
UN3234 Self-reactive solid type C, temperature
controlled materials, Hazard Class: 4.1; Labels: 4.1-
Flammable solid, Technical Name Required.
Incompatibilities
Flammable; dust may form explosive
mixture with air. Unstable and easily oxidized material;
keep away from oxidizers, strong acids. Keep at temperature
not ≧30° C (this may vary by manufacturer). Risk of
explosion from heat, shock, friction. Warming causes production
of tetramethylsuccinonitrile and cyanide fumes.
Keep away from acetone and other ketones, alcohols, lithium,
aluminum, aldehydes, and hydrocarbons, such as heptane.
Azo compounds can detonate. This applies in
particular to organic azides that have been sensitized by the
addition of metal salts or strong acids. Toxic gases are
formed by mixing materials of this class with acids, aldehydes,
amides, carbamates, cyanides, inorganic fluorides,
halogenated organics, isocyanates, ketones, metals, nitrides,
peroxides, phenols, epoxides, acyl halides, and strong oxidizing
or reducing agents. Flammable gases are formed by
mixing materials in this group with alkali metals. Explosive
combination can occur with strong oxidizing agents, metal
salts, peroxides, and sulfides. This chemical is sensitive to
prolonged exposure to heat. This chemical is incompatible
with strong oxidizing agents.
Definition
ChEBI: (E)-Azobis(isobutyronitrile) is an azo compound.
Flammability and Explosibility
Notclassified
storage
Color Code—Red Stripe: Flammability Hazard: Donot store in the same area as other flammable materials. Priorto working with this chemical you should be trained on itsproper handling and storage. Azodiisobutyronitrile must bestored to avoid contact with acetone, lithium, aluminumhydride, and water, since violent reactions occur. Azodiisobutyronitrile is self-reactive and will explode at elevated temperatures. It should be stored under nitrogen, dry ice, or ice.Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, areprohibited where this chemical is used, handled, or stored in amanner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard.
