butyronitrile

H225: Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]

H301: Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]

H311: Toxic in contact with skin [Danger Acute toxicity, dermal]

H331: Toxic if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]

P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P261, P262, P264, P270, P271, P280, P301+P316, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P316, P321, P330, P361+P364, P370+P378, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H225 (100%): Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]

H301+H311+H331 (72.8%): Toxic if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, oral; acute toxicity, dermal; acute toxicity, inhalation]

H301 (100%): Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]

H311 (100%): Toxic in contact with skin [Danger Acute toxicity, dermal]

H331 (100%): Toxic if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]

Aggregated GHS information provided per 232 reports by companies from 3 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

H319: Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H330: Fatal if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]

H370: Causes damage to organs [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]

P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P260, P262, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P284, P301+P316, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P308+P316, P316, P320, P321, P330, P337+P317, P361+P364, P370+P378, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Refer for medical attention .

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

Rinse mouth. Induce vomiting (ONLY IN CONSCIOUS PERSONS!). Give a slurry of activated charcoal in water to drink. Refer for medical attention .

Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for n-Butyronitrile:

Eye: IRRIGATE IMMEDIATELY - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately.

Skin: SOAP WASH IMMEDIATELY - If this chemical contacts the skin, immediately wash the contaminated skin with soap and water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing, wash the skin with soap and water, and get medical attention promptly.

Breathing: RESPIRATORY SUPPORT - If a person breathes large amounts of this chemical, move the exposed person to fresh air at once. If breathing has stopped, perform artificial respiration. Keep the affected person warm and at rest. Get medical attention as soon as possible.

Swallow: MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately. (NIOSH, 2024)

General First Aid:

· Call 911 or emergency medical service.

· Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination.

· Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely.

· Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.

· If victim is not breathing:

-- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance.

-- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).

-- If no pulse detected or no respiratory medical device available, provide continuous compressions. Conduct a pulse check every two minutes or monitor for any signs of spontaneous respirations.

· Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.

· For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin.

· In case of contact with substance, remove immediately by flushing skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.

· For severe burns, immediate medical attention is required.

· Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact) to substance may be delayed.

· Keep victim calm and warm.

· Keep victim under observation.

· For further assistance, contact your local Poison Control Center.

· Note: Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) should be done by trained professionals.

Specific First Aid:

· Wash skin with soap and water.

· In case of burns, immediately cool affected skin for as long as possible with cold water. Do not remove clothing if adhering to skin.

In Canada, an Emergency Response Assistance Plan (ERAP) may be required for this product. Please consult the shipping paper and/or the "ERAP" section.

(General first aid procedures)

Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately.

Skin: Soap wash immediately - If this chemical contacts the skin, immediately wash the contaminated skin with soap and water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing, wash the skin with soap and water, and get medical attention promptly.

Breathing: Respiratory support

Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 131 [Flammable Liquids - Toxic]:

CAUTION: The majority of these products have a very low flash point. Use of water spray when fighting fire may be inefficient. CAUTION: Methanol (UN1230) will burn with an invisible flame. Use an alternate method of detection (thermal camera, broom handle, etc.).

SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2, water spray or alcohol-resistant foam.

LARGE FIRE: Water spray, fog or alcohol-resistant foam. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal. Avoid aiming straight or solid streams directly onto the product.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS, RAIL TANK CARS OR HIGHWAY TANKS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. (ERG, 2024)

Use water spray, foam, alcohol-resistant foam, dry powder, carbon dioxide. In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.

ALCOHOL FOAM.

If material on fire or involved in fire: Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped or safely confined. Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Solid streams of water may be ineffective. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. Use "alcohol" foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.

· Keep unauthorized personnel away.

· Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.

· Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.

· ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area.

· All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded.

· Do not touch or walk through spilled material.

· Stop leak if you can do it without risk.

· Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.

· A vapor-suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors.

Small Spill

· Absorb with earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers for later disposal.

· Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect absorbed material.

Large Spill

· Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal.

· Water spray may reduce vapor, but may not prevent ignition in closed spaces.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 131 [Flammable Liquids - Toxic]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.

SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)

Immediate precautionary measure

· Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.

· For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.

· For non-highlighted materials: increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

· If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.

Remove all ignition sources. Personal protection: self-contained breathing apparatus. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.

Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste numbers D003 and P030 must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste. /Cyanide cmpd and Cyanides, not otherwise specified/

A poor candidate for incineration. /Cyanides/

The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated.

Work clothing that becomes wet should be immediately removed due to its flammability hazard.

N-butyronitrile is considered highly toxic and requires the same handling as other toxic nitriles.

All nitriles should be handled under carefully controlled conditions and only by personnel having a thorough understanding and knowledge of safe handling techniques. Because of the nature of nitrile cmpd and the lack of complete toxicity data on many nitriles, care should be exercised in handling these cmpd to avoid inhalation of the vapors, ingestion, and contact with the skin. /Nitriles/

For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for BUTANENITRILE (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 131 [Flammable Liquids - Toxic]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. A vapor-suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors.

SMALL SPILL: Absorb with earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers for later disposal. Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect absorbed material.

LARGE SPILL: Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal. Water spray may reduce vapor, but may not prevent ignition in closed spaces. (ERG, 2024)

Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants, strong reducing agents, strong bases, strong acids and food and feedstuffs. Keep in a well-ventilated room.

· Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

· Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is NO RISK OF FIRE.

· Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection.

0.0003 [ppm]

1.2 [ppm]

6.9 [ppm]

TWA 8 ppm (22 mg/m3)

See: IDLH INDEX

0.00007 ppm as TWA; 0.0003 ppm as STEL; (skin); (DSEN); (RSEN)

CAUTION: The majority of these products have a very low flash point. Use of water spray when fighting fire may be inefficient.

CAUTION: Methanol (UN1230) will burn with an invisible flame. Use an alternate method of detection (thermal camera, broom handle, etc.)

Small Fire

· Dry chemical, CO2, water spray or alcohol-resistant foam.

Large Fire

· Water spray, fog or alcohol-resistant foam.

· If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.

· Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal.

· Avoid aiming straight or solid streams directly onto the product.

Fire Involving Tanks, Rail Tank Cars or Highway Tanks

· Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles.

· Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out.

· Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank.

· ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames.

· For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn.

A harmful contamination of the air can be reached rather quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20 °C , on spraying or dispersing much faster.

The vapour is mildly irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the cellular respiration (inhibition). This may result in convulsions, cardiac disorders and respiratory failure. Exposure at high levels could cause death. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.

Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for n-Butyronitrile:

Skin: PREVENT SKIN CONTACT - Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.

Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.

Wash skin: WHEN CONTAMINATED - The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated.

Remove: WHEN WET (FLAMMABLE) - Work clothing that becomes wet should be immediately removed due to its flammability hazard (i.e., for liquids with a flash point <100 °F).

Change: No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change clothing after the workshift.

Provide: QUICK DRENCH - Facilities for quickly drenching the body should be provided within the immediate work area for emergency use where there is a possibility of exposure. [Note: It is intended that these facilities provide a sufficient quantity or flow of water to quickly remove the substance from any body areas likely to be exposed. The actual determination of what constitutes an adequate quick drench facility depends on the specific circumstances. In certain instances, a deluge shower should be readily available, whereas in others, the availability of water from a sink or hose could be considered adequate.] (NIOSH, 2024)

Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.

Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.

Facilities for quickly drenching the body should be provided within the immediate work area for emergency use where there is a possibility of exposure. [Note: It is intended that these facilities provide a sufficient quantity or flow of water to quickly remove the substance from any body areas likely to be exposed. The actual determination of what constitutes an adequate quick drench facility depends on the specific circumstances. In certain instances, a deluge shower should be readily available, whereas in others, the availability of water from a sink or hose could be considered adequate.]

Recommendations for respirator selection. Max concn for use: 80 ppm. Respirator Class(es): Any chemical cartridge respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s). Any supplied-air respirator.

For more Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (Complete) data for BUTANENITRILE (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Up to 80 ppm:

(APF = 10) Any chemical cartridge respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s)

Butyronitrile appears as a clear colorless liquid. Flash point 76 °F. Less dense than water. Vapors heavier than air. Produces toxic oxides of nitrogen during combustion. Used in the manufacture of other chemicals.

Colorless liquid with a sharp, suffocating odor; Note: Forms cyanide in the body; [NIOSH]

COLOURLESS LIQUID WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

Colorless liquid with a sharp, suffocating odor. [Note: Forms cyanide in the body.]

Colorless liquid

Sharp, suffocating odor.

244 °F at 760 mmHg (USCG, 1999)

117.5 °C @ 760 mm Hg

116-118 °C

117 °C @760 [mm Hg]

-171 °F (USCG, 1999)

-112.6 °C

62 °F (USCG, 1999)

76 (24 °C) °F (OPEN CUP)

3 % at 77 °F (NIOSH, 2024)

Miscible with alc, ether, dimethylformamide

Sol in benzene

In water, 33,000 mg/l at 25 °C.

Solubility in water, g/100ml at 25 °C: 3

(77 °F): 3%

0.7936 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float

0.8091 @ 0 °C/4 °C

Density of saturated air: 1.07 @ 38.4 °C (air= 1)

Relative density (water = 1): 0.8

0.796 @ 15°C

2.4 (Air= 1)

Relative vapor density (air = 1): 2.4

20.68 mmHg (USCG, 1999)

19.5 [mmHg]

Vapor pressure: 10 mm Hg @ 15 °C; 40 mm Hg @ 38 °C

19.5 mm Hg @ 25 °C

Vapor pressure, kPa at 20 °C: 2

19.5 [mm Hg] @25 °C

log Kow = 0.53

Henry's Law constant = 5.23X10-5 atm cu m/mole @ 25 °C

910 °F (USCG, 1999)

935 °F (501 °C)

When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of NOx and CN- /nitrogen oxides and cyanides/.

0.8 cPs @ 0 °C; 0.6 cPs @ 20 °C; 0.5 cPs @ 40 °C

-2568.68 kJ/mol @ 25 °C

Highly flammable. Slightly soluble in water.

Nitriles

Highly Flammable

BUTYRONITRILE can react vigorously with oxidizing reagents, when heated to decomposition, it emits highly toxic fumes of cyanides and oxides of nitrogen [Sax, 9th ed., 1996, p. 609]. 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.

Strong oxidizers & reducing agents, strong acids & bases.

Dangerous fire hazard when exposed to heat, flame, or oxidizers.

Strong oxidizers & reducing agents, strong acids & bases

Organic nitriles decompose into cyanide ions both in vivo and in vitro. Consequently the primary mechanism of toxicity for organic nitriles is their production of toxic cyanide ions or hydrogen cyanide. Cyanide is an inhibitor of cytochrome c oxidase in the fourth complex of the electron transport chain (found in the membrane of the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells). It complexes with the ferric iron atom in this enzyme. The binding of cyanide to this cytochrome prevents transport of electrons from cytochrome c oxidase to oxygen. As a result, the electron transport chain is disrupted and the cell can no longer aerobically produce ATP for energy. Tissues that mainly depend on aerobic respiration, such as the central nervous system and the heart, are particularly affected. Cyanide is also known produce some of its toxic effects by binding to catalase, glutathione peroxidase, methemoglobin, hydroxocobalamin, phosphatase, tyrosinase, ascorbic acid oxidase, xanthine oxidase, succinic dehydrogenase, and Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase. Cyanide binds to the ferric ion of methemoglobin to form inactive cyanmethemoglobin. (L97)

No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC).

Exposure to high levels of cyanide for a short time harms the brain and heart and can even cause coma, seizures, apnea, cardiac arrest and death. Chronic inhalation of cyanide causes breathing difficulties, chest pain, vomiting, blood changes, headaches, and enlargement of the thyroid gland. Skin contact with cyanide salts can irritate and produce sores. (L96, L97)

The substance can be absorbed into the body by ingestion, by inhalation and through the skin.

inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact

Oral (L96) ; inhalation (L96) ; dermal (L96)

Dizziness. Laboured breathing. Nausea. Vomiting. Weakness. Confusion. Convulsions. Unconsciousness.

MAY BE ABSORBED! Redness. Further see Inhalation.

Redness. Pain. Blurred vision.

See Inhalation.

irritation eyes, skin, respiratory system; headache, dizziness, lassitude (weakness, exhaustion), confusion, convulsions; dyspnea (breathing difficulty); abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting

Cyanide poisoning is identified by rapid, deep breathing and shortness of breath, general weakness, giddiness, headaches, vertigo, confusion, convulsions/seizures and eventually loss of consciousness. (L96, L97)

Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system, cardiovascular system

Other Poison - Chemical Asphyxiant

LCLo (rat) = 1,000 ppm/4h

LD50: 50 mg/kg (Intraperitoneal, Rat) (T14)

LD50: 28 mg/kg (Oral, Mouse) (T14)

LD50: 200 mg/kg (Subcutaneous, Rat) (T88)

LD50: 400 mg/kg (Dermal, Rabbit) (T88)

LC50: 249 ppm over 1 hour (Inhalation, Mouse) (T14)

LETHAL IP DOSE OF BUTYRONITRILE IN RATS WAS APPROX 150 MG/KG.

LD50 Rat oral 135 mg/kg

LD50 Rat sc 200 mg/kg

LD50 Mouse ip 45.75 mg/kg

For more Non-Human Toxicity Values (Complete) data for BUTANENITRILE (10 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Antidotes to cyanide poisoning include hydroxocobalamin and sodium nitrite, which release the cyanide from the cytochrome system, and rhodanase, which is an enzyme occurring naturally in mammals that combines serum cyanide with thiosulfate, producing comparatively harmless thiocyanate. Oxygen therapy can also be administered. (L97)

P-AMINOPROPIOPHENONE PROTECTED MICE AGAINST LETHAL DOSES OF POTASSIUM CYANIDE, & MANY ORGANOTHIOCYANATES & ORGANONITRILES.

The toxic mechanism of nitriles and the effect of metabolic modifiers in mice were studied in relation to their physicochemical properties. All the test nitriles liberated cyanide both in vivo and in vitro, with the exception of benzonitrile, although the extent of liberation and the effect of carbon tetrachloride pretreatment on the mortality of animals differed among nitriles. From these results, test compounds were tentatively divided into 3 groups. In group 1, acute toxicity was greatly reduced by carbon tetrachloride pretreatment, in group 2, toxicity was not significantly changed or was somewhat enhanced, and in group 3, benzonitrile only, toxicity was clearly enhanced. The amount of cyanide was higher at death in the brains of mice given group 1 compounds, the level being comparable to that found in mice killed by dosing with potassium cyanide. The relation between log (1/LD50) and log p for the compounds in group 1 fitted a parabolic plot, while that for compounds in group 2 was linear. For most nitriles, the in vitro metabolism was inhibited when the incubation mixture contained either SKF-525A, carbon monoxide, or microsomes from mice treated with carbon tetrachloride. When mice were closed with ethyl alcohol, metabolic enhancement of nitriles was seen compared with the control. However, ethyl alcohol, when added to the incubation mixture, inhibited the in vitro metabolism of nitriles. /Nitriles/

First-aid & medical therapy should be the same as for hydrogen cyanide.

Rapid support of respiration & circulation is essential to successful treatment of cyanide intoxication. Massive cyanide overdoses have survived with only good supportive care. Immediate attention should be directed toward assisted ventilation, admin of 100% oxygen, insertion of iv lines, & institution of cardiac monitoring. Obtain an arterial blood gas immediately & correct any severe metabolic acidosis (pH below 7.15). Oxygen (100%) should be used routinely in moderate or severely symptomatic patients even in the presence of a normal pO2, since 100% O2 incr O2 delivery, may reactivate cyanide-inhibited mitochondrial enzymes, & potentiates the effect of thiosulfate. Avoid mouth to mouth resuscitation during CPR in order to prevent self poisoning. /Cyanides/

Amyl nitrite perles are designed to produce 3% to 5% methemoglobinemia while an iv line is established for iv sodium nitrite. As a temporizing measure, the patient inhales the vapors until the sodium nitrite is ready. Because of the variability in methemoglobin production & the potential for cardiovascular collapse, this step may be omitted if sodium nitrite is readily available & the patient is not in extremis. Adequate ventilation & oxygenation are more important than administration of amyl nitrite. One perle ... is crushed & inhaled ... until iv nitrite is given. Sodium nitrite ... is administered iv slowly to produce a 20% methemoglobin level in adults. ... Administer sodium nitrite doses to children on the basis of body weight, since fatal methemoglobinemia has occurred in children. /Cyanides/

... Oral LD50 in rats ... 50-100 mg/kg; ip, less than 50 mg/kg. Symptoms were weakness, tremors, vasodilation, labored respiration, & terminal convulsions--similar to other active nitriles. Similar symptoms ... produced in mice.

Inhalation of vapor readily produced fatalities in rats with symptoms of nitrile toxicity.

BUTYRONITRILE RATED 2 ON RABBIT EYES. /MOST SEVERE INJURIES HAVE BEEN RATED 10/

LEVEL OF HYDROGEN CYANIDE IN MOUSE BRAIN & WHOLE HOUSEFLIES, RESULTING FROM TREATMENT WITH 6 ORGANONITRILES, CORRELATED WELL WITH TOXICITY OF THESE HYDROGEN CYANIDE PRECURSORS.

For more Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for BUTANENITRILE (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

This substance may be hazardous to the environment. Special attention should be given to birds.

Butanenitrile's production and use as an intermediate in chemicals and pharmaceuticals may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 19.5 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates butanenitrile will exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase butanenitrile will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals; the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 32 days. If released to soil, butanenitrile is expected to have very high mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 46. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process based upon a Henry's Law constant of 5.23X10-5 atm-cu m/mole. Butanenitrile may volatilize from dry soil surfaces based upon its vapor pressure. Microorganisms can hydrolyze nitriles, such as butanenitrile, predominately to carboxylic acids plus ammonium ions. For example, a mixed microbial culture, isolated from an environment contaminated with organic cyanides, was able to biodegrade butanenitrile. If released into water, butanenitrile is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment based upon the estimated Koc. Volatilization from water surfaces is expected to be an important fate process based upon this compound's Henry's Law constant. Estimated volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 10 hours and 8 days, respectively. An estimated BCF of 3 suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. Chemical hydrolysis is expected to be slow based on a chemical hydrolysis half-life of >150,000 yrs for acetonitrile. Occupational exposure to butanenitrile may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where butanenitrile is produced or used. (SRC)

Butanenitrile's production and use as an intermediate in chemicals and pharmaceuticals(1) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC). Butanenitrile has also been detected in wastewater effluents from coal gasification and shale oil processing facilities(2,3).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 46(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 0.53(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that butanenitrile is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of butanenitrile from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given a Henry's Law constant of 5.23X10-5 atm-cu m/mole(4). The potential for volatilization of butanenitrile from dry soil surfaces may exist(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 19.5 mm Hg(5). Microorganisms hydrolyze nitriles predominately to carboxylic acids plus ammonium ions(6,7). A mixed microbial culture, isolated from an environment contaminated with organic cyanides and PCBs, utilized butanenitrile as the sole source of carbon and nitrogen(8). The mixed microbial culture was grown for 48 hrs at pH 7 with 1 g/l of butanenitrile; the final pH and ammonia concn were determined to be 8.69 and 74.6 umol/ml, respectively(8). Thus, butanenitrile may be expected to biodegrade in soil(SRC).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 46(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 0.53(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that butanenitrile is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(3) based upon a Henry's Law constant of 5.23X10-5 atm-cu m/mole(4). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 10 hours and 8 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(5), an estimated BCF of 3(SRC), from its log Kow(2) and a regression-derived equation(6), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Microorganisms hydrolyze nitriles predominately to carboxylic acids plus ammonium ions(7,8). A mixed microbial culture, isolated from an environment contaminated with organic cyanides and PCBs, utilized butanenitrile as the sole source of carbon and nitrogen(9). The mixed microbial culture was grown for 48 hrs at pH 7 with 1 g/l of butanenitrile; the final pH and ammonia concn were determined to be 8.69 and 74.6 umol/ml, respectively(9). Thus, butanenitrile may be expected to biodegrade in water(SRC).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), butanenitrile, which has a vapor pressure of 19.5 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere(SRC). Vapor-phase butanenitrile is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 32 days(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 4.98X10-13 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) determined using a structure estimation method(3).

AEROBIC: Enzyme-catalyzed hydrolysis of nitriles has been shown to proceed by two distinct routes(1,2); a nitrilase transforms the nitriles directly into acids plus ammonium ion, or a nitrile hydratase forms the amide which is hydrolyzed to acid plus ammonium ion by amidase(1,2). A predictive method based upon evaluated biodegradation data and the fact that butanenitrile contains a nitrile substructure predicts that butanenitrile has a high probability of biodegrading fast in the environment(3). A mixed microbial culture, isolated from an environment contaminated with organic cyanides and PCBs, utilized butanenitrile as the sole source of carbon and nitrogen(4). The mixed microbial culture was grown for 48 hrs at pH 7 with 1 g/l of butanenitrile; the final pH and ammonia concn were determined to be 8.69 and 74.6 umol/ml, respectively(4). Isobutanenitrile, a chemical whose structure is similar to butanenitrile, has been shown to biodegrade readily using the Japanese MITI protocol (2 wk incubation, 100 ppm concn) with theoretical BODs of 53.9-66.3%(5,6). In addition, acetonitrile, which is structurally similar to butanenitrile, has been shown to biodegrade readily in river water, especially with acclimated microbes(7,8). Thus, butanenitrile may be expected to biodegrade in the environment(SRC).

AEROBIC: Using a Warburg respirometer, a 500 ppm concn of butanenitrile and a 72-hr incubation period, butanenitrile was found to have a 10.5% theoretical BOD using an activated sludge seed from a Bordeaux, TN waste treatment facility(1); with an activated sludge seed from a Nashville, TN waste treatment facility, a 1.0% theoretical BOD was determined(1). Butanenitrile was toxic to an activated sludge seed from a Franklin, TN waste treatment facility(1). Butanenitrile was poorly oxidized during 24-hr incubations using a Warburg respirometer, 500 ppm concns, and activated sludge seeds from three different Ohio waste treatment facilities(2). These short-term incubation and high butanenitrile concn studies(1,2) may not represent environmental biodegradation since the high concns may have been toxic to the microbes and/or the microbes were given inadequate time to acclimate to the butanenitrile(SRC).

This substance may be hazardous to the environment. Special attention should be given to birds.

Butanenitrile's production and use as an intermediate in chemicals and pharmaceuticals may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 19.5 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates butanenitrile will exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase butanenitrile will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals; the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 32 days. If released to soil, butanenitrile is expected to have very high mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 46. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process based upon a Henry's Law constant of 5.23X10-5 atm-cu m/mole. Butanenitrile may volatilize from dry soil surfaces based upon its vapor pressure. Microorganisms can hydrolyze nitriles, such as butanenitrile, predominately to carboxylic acids plus ammonium ions. For example, a mixed microbial culture, isolated from an environment contaminated with organic cyanides, was able to biodegrade butanenitrile. If released into water, butanenitrile is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment based upon the estimated Koc. Volatilization from water surfaces is expected to be an important fate process based upon this compound's Henry's Law constant. Estimated volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 10 hours and 8 days, respectively. An estimated BCF of 3 suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. Chemical hydrolysis is expected to be slow based on a chemical hydrolysis half-life of >150,000 yrs for acetonitrile. Occupational exposure to butanenitrile may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where butanenitrile is produced or used. (SRC)

Butanenitrile's production and use as an intermediate in chemicals and pharmaceuticals(1) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC). Butanenitrile has also been detected in wastewater effluents from coal gasification and shale oil processing facilities(2,3).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 46(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 0.53(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that butanenitrile is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of butanenitrile from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given a Henry's Law constant of 5.23X10-5 atm-cu m/mole(4). The potential for volatilization of butanenitrile from dry soil surfaces may exist(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 19.5 mm Hg(5). Microorganisms hydrolyze nitriles predominately to carboxylic acids plus ammonium ions(6,7). A mixed microbial culture, isolated from an environment contaminated with organic cyanides and PCBs, utilized butanenitrile as the sole source of carbon and nitrogen(8). The mixed microbial culture was grown for 48 hrs at pH 7 with 1 g/l of butanenitrile; the final pH and ammonia concn were determined to be 8.69 and 74.6 umol/ml, respectively(8). Thus, butanenitrile may be expected to biodegrade in soil(SRC).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 46(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 0.53(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that butanenitrile is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(3) based upon a Henry's Law constant of 5.23X10-5 atm-cu m/mole(4). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 10 hours and 8 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(5), an estimated BCF of 3(SRC), from its log Kow(2) and a regression-derived equation(6), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Microorganisms hydrolyze nitriles predominately to carboxylic acids plus ammonium ions(7,8). A mixed microbial culture, isolated from an environment contaminated with organic cyanides and PCBs, utilized butanenitrile as the sole source of carbon and nitrogen(9). The mixed microbial culture was grown for 48 hrs at pH 7 with 1 g/l of butanenitrile; the final pH and ammonia concn were determined to be 8.69 and 74.6 umol/ml, respectively(9). Thus, butanenitrile may be expected to biodegrade in water(SRC).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), butanenitrile, which has a vapor pressure of 19.5 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere(SRC). Vapor-phase butanenitrile is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 32 days(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 4.98X10-13 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) determined using a structure estimation method(3).

AEROBIC: Enzyme-catalyzed hydrolysis of nitriles has been shown to proceed by two distinct routes(1,2); a nitrilase transforms the nitriles directly into acids plus ammonium ion, or a nitrile hydratase forms the amide which is hydrolyzed to acid plus ammonium ion by amidase(1,2). A predictive method based upon evaluated biodegradation data and the fact that butanenitrile contains a nitrile substructure predicts that butanenitrile has a high probability of biodegrading fast in the environment(3). A mixed microbial culture, isolated from an environment contaminated with organic cyanides and PCBs, utilized butanenitrile as the sole source of carbon and nitrogen(4). The mixed microbial culture was grown for 48 hrs at pH 7 with 1 g/l of butanenitrile; the final pH and ammonia concn were determined to be 8.69 and 74.6 umol/ml, respectively(4). Isobutanenitrile, a chemical whose structure is similar to butanenitrile, has been shown to biodegrade readily using the Japanese MITI protocol (2 wk incubation, 100 ppm concn) with theoretical BODs of 53.9-66.3%(5,6). In addition, acetonitrile, which is structurally similar to butanenitrile, has been shown to biodegrade readily in river water, especially with acclimated microbes(7,8). Thus, butanenitrile may be expected to biodegrade in the environment(SRC).

AEROBIC: Using a Warburg respirometer, a 500 ppm concn of butanenitrile and a 72-hr incubation period, butanenitrile was found to have a 10.5% theoretical BOD using an activated sludge seed from a Bordeaux, TN waste treatment facility(1); with an activated sludge seed from a Nashville, TN waste treatment facility, a 1.0% theoretical BOD was determined(1). Butanenitrile was toxic to an activated sludge seed from a Franklin, TN waste treatment facility(1). Butanenitrile was poorly oxidized during 24-hr incubations using a Warburg respirometer, 500 ppm concns, and activated sludge seeds from three different Ohio waste treatment facilities(2). These short-term incubation and high butanenitrile concn studies(1,2) may not represent environmental biodegradation since the high concns may have been toxic to the microbes and/or the microbes were given inadequate time to acclimate to the butanenitrile(SRC).

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of butanenitrile with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated as 4.98X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) using a structure estimation method(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 32 days at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1). Butanenitrile is expected to undergo slow chemical hydrolysis in the environment, based on a chemical hydrolysis half-life of >150,000 yrs for acetonitrile(2). Butanenitrile is not expected to directly photolyze due to the lack of absorption in the environmental UV spectrum (>290 nm)(SRC).

An estimated BCF of 3 was calculated for butanenitrile(SRC), using a log Kow of 0.53(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC).

The Koc of butanenitrile is estimated as 46(SRC), using a measured log Kow of 0.53(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this estimated Koc value suggests that butanenitrile is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC).

The Henry's Law constant for butanenitrile is 5.23X10-5 atm-cu m/mole(1). This Henry's Law constant indicates that butanenitrile is expected to volatilize from water surfaces(2). Based on this Henry's Law constant, the volatilization half-life from a model river (1 m deep, flowing 1 m/sec, wind velocity of 3 m/sec)(2) is estimated as 10 hours(SRC). The volatilization half-life from a model lake (1 m deep, flowing 0.05 m/sec, wind velocity of 0.5 m/sec)(2) is estimated as 8 days(SRC). Butanenitrile's Henry's Law constant(1) indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces may occur(SRC). The potential for volatilization of butanenitrile from dry soil surfaces may exist(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 19.5 mm Hg(3).

A product water effluent from a coal gasification facility in Hanna, WY was found to contain a butanenitrile concn of 267 ppb(1); retort water from a shale-oil processing facility in Rock Springs, WY contained a butanenitrile concn of 13 ppb(1). The concn of propionitrile in condensate retort water from an oil-shale processing facility in Colorado was 2.5 mg/l(2).

Occupational exposure to butanenitrile may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where butanenitrile is produced or used(1).

Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste numbers D003 and P030 must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste. /Cyanide cmpd and Cyanides, not otherwise specified/

A poor candidate for incineration. /Cyanides/

/GUIDE 131: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS - TOXIC/ Fire or Explosion: 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. Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids are lighter than water.

/GUIDE 131: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS - TOXIC/ Health: 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.

/GUIDE 131: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS - TOXIC/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number on Shipping Paper first. If Shipping Paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover. As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Keep out of low areas. Ventilate closed spaces before entering.

/GUIDE 131: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS - TOXIC/ Protective Clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer. It may provide little or no thermal protection. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides limited protection in fire situations ONLY; it is not effective in spill situations where direct contact with the substance is possible.

For more DOT Emergency Guidelines (Complete) data for BUTANENITRILE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

UN 2411; Butyronitrile

IMO 3.2; Butanenitrile

No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a hazardous material for transportation in commerce unless that person is registered in conformance ... and the hazardous material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, and in condition for shipment as required or authorized by ... /the hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR 171-177)./

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations are published by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board pursuant to IATA Resolutions 618 and 619 and constitute a manual of industry carrier regulations to be followed by all IATA Member airlines when transporting hazardous materials.

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles for transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed recommendations for individual substances and a number of recommendations for good practice are included in the classes dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names has also been compiled. This index should always be consulted when attempting to locate the appropriate procedures to be used when shipping any substance or article.

Flammable Liquid Poison

Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.

Symbol: T; R: 10-23/24/25; S: (1/2)-45

UN Hazard Class: 3; UN Subsidiary Risks: 6.1; UN Pack Group: II