Dimethylaminoacetonitrile

Chemical Properties

Clear colourless liquid

Uses

(Dimethylamino)acetonitrile (N,N-Dimethylglycinonitrile) was used in the synthesis of α-dimethylamino-β-oxonitriles.

Definition

ChEBI: 2-(Dimethylamino)acetonitrile is a tertiary amino compound.

General Description

A liquid with a fishlike odor. Flash point 75°F. May be toxic by inhalation and skin absorption. Slightly soluble in water. Used to make other chemicals.

Air & Water Reactions

Highly flammable. Slightly soluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

Dimethylaminoacetonitrile has an amine and nitrile group. Amines are chemical bases. They neutralize acids to form salts plus water. These acid-base reactions are exothermic. The amount of heat that is evolved per mole of amine in a neutralization is largely independent of the strength of the amine as a base. Amines may be incompatible with isocyanates, halogenated organics, peroxides, phenols (acidic), epoxides, anhydrides, and acid halides. Flammable gaseous hydrogen is generated by amines in combination with strong reducing agents, such as hydrides. Nitriles may polymerize in the presence of metals and some metal compounds. They are incompatible with acids; mixing nitriles with strong oxidizing acids can lead to extremely violent reactions. Nitriles are generally incompatible with other oxidizing agents such as peroxides and epoxides. The combination of bases and nitriles can produce hydrogen cyanide. Nitriles are hydrolyzed in both aqueous acid and base to give carboxylic acids (or salts of carboxylic acids). These reactions generate heat. Peroxides convert nitriles to amides. Nitriles can react vigorously with reducing agents. Acetonitrile and propionitrile are soluble in water, but nitriles higher than propionitrile have low aqueous solubility. They are also insoluble in aqueous acids.

Health Hazard

TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin. Inhalation or contact with some of these materials will irritate or burn skin and eyes. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.

Fire Hazard

HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Vapor explosion and poison hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids are lighter than water.

Safety Profile

Poison by ingestion, skin contact, and ocular routes. Moderately toxic by inhalation. A skin and eye irritant. A dangerous fire hazard when exposed to heat or flame. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of NOx and CN-. See also NITRILES.