Succinonitrile

H302 (95%): Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]

H311 (36.2%): Toxic in contact with skin [Danger Acute toxicity, dermal]

H315 (53.8%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]

H319 (53.8%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H335 (53.8%): May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]

H400 (35%): Very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]

H410 (35%): Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]

P261, P262, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P273, P280, P301+P317, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P316, P319, P321, P330, P332+P317, P337+P317, P361+P364, P362+P364, P391, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 80 reports by companies from 12 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.

Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.

Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.

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

Rinse mouth. Give a slurry of activated charcoal in water to drink. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer for medical attention .

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.

INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing.

INGESTION: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. Be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital if advised by a physician. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. (NTP, 1992)

(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: Water wash immediately - If this chemical contacts the skin, immediately wash the contaminated skin with water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing and wash the skin with water. If symptoms occur after washing, get medical attention immediately.

Breathing: Respiratory support

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

Fires involving this compound can be controlled with dry chemical, carbon dioxide or Halon extinguishers. (NTP, 1992)

Use water spray, powder, alcohol-resistant foam, carbon dioxide.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 151 [Substances - Toxic (Non-Combustible)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

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)

Ventilation. Sweep spilled substance into covered containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Personal protection: particulate filter respirator adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance.

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational exposure or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic, and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

SRP: Contaminated protective clothing should be segregated in such a manner so that there is no direct personal contact by personnel who handle, dispose, or clean the clothing. Quality assurance to ascertain the completeness of the cleaning procedures should be implemented before the decontaminated protective clothing is returned for reuse by the workers. Contaminated clothing should not be taken home at end of shift, but should remain at employee's place of work for cleaning.

SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses in industry is conflicting. The benefit or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.

Adequate precautions should be taken against skin or eye contact.

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

For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for SUCCINONITRILE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

SMALL SPILLS AND LEAKAGE: Should a spill occur while you are handling this chemical, you should dampen the solid spill material with alcohol, then transfer the dampened material to a suitable container. Use absorbent paper dampened with alcohol to pick up any remaining material. Seal the absorbent paper, and any of your clothes, which may be contaminated, in a vapor-tight plastic bag for eventual disposal. Solvent wash all contaminated surfaces with alcohol followed by washing with a strong soap and water solution. Do not reenter the contaminate area until the Safety Officer (or other responsible person) has verified that the area has been properly cleaned.

STORAGE PRECAUTIONS: You should store this material in a refrigerator. (NTP, 1992)

Separated from strong oxidants, strong bases, strong acids, strong reducing agents and food and feedstuffs. Well closed.

TWA 6 ppm (20 mg/m3)

See: IDLH INDEX

Evaporation at 20 °C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly when dispersed.

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

Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Succinonitrile:

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 OR CONTAMINATED - Work clothing that becomes wet or significantly contaminated should be removed and replaced.

Change: DAILY - Workers whose clothing may have become contaminated should change into uncontaminated clothing before leaving the work premises.

Provide: EYEWASH - Eyewash fountains should be provided in areas where there is any possibility that workers could be exposed to the substances; this is irrespective of the recommendation involving the wearing of eye protection. (NIOSH, 2024)

Respirator Recommendations: Up to 60 ppm: (Assigned protection factor = 10) Any supplied-air respirator.

Respirator Recommendations: Up to 150 ppm: (Assigned protection factor = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode.

Respirator Recommendations: Up to 250 ppm: (Assigned protection factor = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece/(Assigned protection factor = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece.

Respirator Recommendations: Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions: (Assigned protection factor = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode/(Assigned protection factor = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus.

For more Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (Complete) data for SUCCINONITRILE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Up to 60 ppm:

(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator

Up to 150 ppm:

(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode

Up to 250 ppm:

(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece

(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece

Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:

(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode

(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus

(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister

Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus

Important additional information about respirator selection

NO open flames.

PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST!

Use local exhaust or breathing protection.

Protective gloves.

Wear safety goggles.

Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.

Succinonitrile appears as colorless to light brown crystals. Colorless waxy solid melting at 57 °C. Highly toxic.

Colorless, odorless, waxy solid; Note: Forms cyanide in the body; [NIOSH]

COLOURLESS WAXY CRYSTALS.

Colorless, odorless, waxy solid. [Note: Forms cyanide in the body.]

Colorless waxy solid

Odorless

509 to 513 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)

Boiling point: 185 °C @ 60 mm Hg; 158-160 @ 20 mm Hg

135 to 136 °F (NTP, 1992)

270 °F (NTP, 1992)

270 °F (132 °C) (closed cup)

50 to 100 mg/mL at 70 °F (NTP, 1992)

Soluble in acetone, chloroform, dioxane; slightly soluble in ethanol, benzene, ether, carbon sulfide

In water, 126.9 g/L @ 20 °C

Solubility in water, g/100ml at 20 °C: 13

1.023 at 113 °F (NTP, 1992) - Denser than water; will sink

0.9867 g/cu cm @ 60 °C

1.02 g/cm³

2.1 (NTP, 1992) - Heavier than air; will sink (Relative to Air)

2.8 (Air=1)

Relative vapor density (air = 1): 2.1

2 mmHg at 392 °F (NTP, 1992)

0.00778 [mmHg]

1.0382 Pa (0.00778 mm Hg) @ 298.29 K (25.14 °C) (solid)

(212 °F): 2 mmHg

log Kow = -0.99

Henry's Law constant = 6.5X10-9 atm-cu m/mol @ 25 °C /Estimated/

After vacuum distillation of several tons of the nitrile at 150 C, lack of a receiver necessitated hot storage of the product at 80 C for 46 hours, and the drainage line blocked with solid. Though the bulk of the material was still liquid, heating to 195 C did not clear the line, and shortly afterwards decomposition occurred. It was subsequently found that the distillation residue had also decomposed at 175 C, 2 hours after distillation ended. Differntial thermal analysis showed that the nitrile is unusual in that no heat is evolved during the induction period of around 33 hours/200 C, or 1.5 hours/280 C, and the rapid onset and narrow peak width suggested a self-accelerating decomposition process, with Q = 700 J/g. No stabilising additives period for the nitrile to 20 percent of its value, while 1 percent of potassium cyanide reduced it to 2 percent.

May be heated to 200 °C for 72 hr without decomposition.

0.002008 kg/m-sec @ 75 °C

-2,285.38 kJ/mol

48.5 kJ/mol @ 266.0 °C

0.04678 cu m/s @ 60 °C; 0.04572 cu m/s @ 70 °C; 0.04462cu m/s @ 80 °C

Odor perception threshold is 21 mg/L. Taste perception threshold is 200 mg/L.

Index of refraction: 1.4173 D/ 60 °C

Enthalpy of formation: 139.7 kJ/mol (liquid), 209.7 kJ/mol (gas); molar heat capacity: 145.6 J/K mol

Enthalpy of fusion: 3.70 kJ/mol @ 57.98 °C

Relative permittivity: 62.6 @ 298.2 K

Conversion factor: 1 ppm = 3.28 mg/cu m; vapor pressure 2 mm Hg @ 212 °F (100 °C)

Hydroxyl radical reaction rate constant = 4.3X10-14 cu cm/molecule-sec @ 25 °C /Estimated/

Soluble in water [Hawley].

Nitriles

SUCCINONITRILE is incompatible with acids and oxidizing agents (such as peroxides and epoxides). Can react violently with strong oxidizing acids. Is hydrolyzed exothermically in both aqueous acid and base to give carboxylic acids (or salts of carboxylic acids). Can react vigorously with reducing agents.

Oxidizers

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 and by inhalation.

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

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

Cough. Sore throat. Dizziness. Headache. Nausea. Convulsions.

Redness. Pain.

Abdominal pain. Diarrhoea. Headache. Nausea. Vomiting. Convulsions.

irritation eyes, skin, respiratory system; headache, dizziness, lassitude (weakness, exhaustion), confusion, convulsions; blurred vision; 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) = 730 mg/m3/4h

LD50: 450 mg/kg (Oral, Rat) (T29)

LD50 Rat oral 450 mg/kg

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)

Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway. Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilation if necessary. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Administer amyl nitrite ampules as per protocol and physician order ... . Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if necessary ... . Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with normal saline during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 ml/kg up to 200 ml of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool ... . /Cyanide and related compounds/

Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious or in respiratory arrest. Positive pressure ventilation techniques with a bag valve mask device may be beneficial. Start an IV with D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use lactated Ringer's if signs of hypovolemia are present. Watch for signs of fluid overload. Administer cyanide antidote kit as per protocol and physician order ... . Monitor and treat cardiac arrhythmias if necessary ... . Consider vasopressors to treat hypotension without signs of hypovolemia ... . Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . Treat seizures with diazepam ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Cyanide and related compounds/

Medical surveillance should include pre-employment and periodic examinations focused on skin disorders and the cardiovascular, pulmonary and central nervous systems. A history of fainting spells or convulsive disorders might present an added risk for nitrile workers. /Nitriles/

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Exposure to toxic nitriles may rapidly cause death by asphyxiation similar to that resulting from exposure to hydrogen cyanide. Individuals who survived exposure to high concentrations of nitriles were said to have no evidence of residual physiological effects after the recovery from the acute episode; this has led to the opinion that the person either succumbs to the nitrile exposure or recovers completely. /Nitriles/

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Potential symptoms of overexposure are irritation of eyes, skin, respiratory system; headache, dizziness, weakness, giddiness, confusion, convulsions; blurred vision; dyspnea; abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting.

/CASE REPORTS/ A 53 yr old male with polyarthritis and chronic bronchitis had been treated for 3 weeks with anti-catarrhal drugs, vitamins, and a daily intramuscular injection of 200 mg succinonitrile. Two hours after the last injection, the patient began vomiting and showed signs of psychomotor agitation and mental confusion accompanied by cold sweating. He was admitted to a hospital with convulsions and mental disorientation. The patient died 2 hours after he was hospitalized during a convulsion. Autopsy showed pronounced visceral congestion and cerebral and pulmonary edema. Histological examination showed a massive and vacuolar hepatic degeneration and a significant nephrosis of the tubules. Because of the odor of bitter almonds when the skull was opened, a chemical analysis for cyanide compounds was conducted. Cyanide concentrations of 0.265 to 1.500 mg/100 mL, reported as potassium-cyanide, were found in the liver, brain, kidney, lungs, and urine. No evidence of cyanide was found in the blood or gastric contents. An ampule of the pharmaceutical product containing the succinonitrile was analyzed. No trace of cyanide was found. .../It was concluded/ that death was due to cyanide poisoning, the cyanide having accumulated in the body as a result of a metabolic disorder when succinonitrile was administered.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ The effects on the skin of rabbits of a 95% water solution were those of mild irritation. Continued contact of the solution with rabbit skin for 18 hr produced fatalities, indicating a probably hazard by skin absorption.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ A 24 hr exposure of mice to vapor from a 95% solution caused no symptoms.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ Administration of high doses is accompanied /by/ an increase in concentration of rhodanides in the urine. Animals exhibit general inhibition, impaired respiration, and exophthalmos with subsequent convulsions and death from respiratory arrest. Gross pathology examination revealed marked congestion in the brain and all visceral organs.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Subchronic or Prechronic Exposure/ Guinea pigs were gavaged with 1/5 and 1/20 LD50 (120 mg/kg bw) for 75 days. The treatment resulted in decreased CO2 expiration, leukopenia, reduced leukocyte phagocytic activity and an increase in the ascorbic acid contents in the liver, kidneys, and suprarenals. Gross pathology examination revealed parenchymatous dystrophy in the visceral organs, circulatory disturbances, and a reduction in the spleen relative weights.

For more Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for SUCCINONITRILE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Environmental effects from the substance have not been investigated adequately.

Aliphatic nitriles such as succinonitrile are important starting materials for polymers, and the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and pesticides. Succinonitrile's production and use may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 0.00778 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates succinonitrile will exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. The reaction of vapor-phase succinonitrile with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals is not expected to be an important environmental fate process based on the estimated half-life for this reaction in air of 380 days. Succinonitrile is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight, since it does not contain functional groups that are expected to absorb light with wavelengths >290 nm. If released to soil, succinonitrile is expected to have very high mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 28. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 5.1X10-9 atm-cu m/mole. Succinonitrile is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces based upon its vapor pressure. In studies with activated sludge, biodegradation of 1.5-3.8% was observed after 6-24 hours. These studies suggest that succinonitrile may have been toxic to the microorganisms, since a high concentration of succinonitrile was used. If released into water, succinonitrile is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment based upon the estimated Koc. Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process based upon this compound's estimated Henry's Law constant. An estimated BCF of 3 suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. Hydrolysis is not expected to be an important environmental fate process since this compound lacks functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions. Occupational exposure to succinonitrile may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where succinonitrile is produced or used. (SRC)

Aliphatic nitriles, such as succinonitrile, are important starting materials for polymers, and the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and pesticides(1). Succinonitrile's production and use may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 28(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that succinonitrile is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of succinonitrile from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 6.5X10-9 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 0.00778 mm Hg(3), and water solubility, 126.9 g/L(4). Succinonitrile is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 0.00778 mm Hg(3). In studies with activated sludge, biodegradation of 1.5-3.8% was observed after 6-24 hours(5). These studies suggest that succinonitrile may have been toxic to the microorganisms, since a high concentration of succinonitrile was used(5).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 28(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that succinonitrile is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 6.5X10-9 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 0.00778 mm Hg(4) and water solubility, 126.9 g/L(5). According to a classification scheme(6), an estimated BCF of 3(SRC), from its log Kow of -0.99(7) and a regression-derived equation(8), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Hydrolysis is not expected to be an important environmental fate process since this compound lacks functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions(9). In studies with activated sludge, biodegradation of 1.5-3.8% was observed after 6-24 hours(10). These studies suggest that succinonitrile may have been toxic to the microorganisms, since a high concentration of succinonitrile was used(10).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), succinonitrile, which has a vapor pressure of 0.00778 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. The reaction of vapor-phase succinonitrile with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals is not expected to be an important environmental fate based on the estimated half-life for this reaction in air of 380 days, calculated from its rate constant of 4.3X10-14 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 deg (SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(3). Succinonitrile is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight, since it does not contain functional groups that are expected to absorb light with wavelengths >290 nm(SRC).

The test concentration of succinonitrile at 500 ppm was found to be toxic to microorganisms in sludges from 3 municipal treatment plants and inhibited biodegradation as determined using Warburg constant-volume respirometers(1). Succinonitrile (500 mg/L) reached 1.5, 2.4, and 3.8% of the theoretical oxygen demand after 6, 12, and 24 hours in a study using a Warburg respirometer and activated sludge solids (2,500 mg/L)(2). A mixed microbial culture isolated from an environment contaminated with organic cyanides and polychlorinated biphenyls was found to utilize nitriles, including succinonitrile, as growth substrates(3). Aeromonas sp. BN 7013 was isolated from a soil sample and was found to utilize succinonitrile as a sole source of nitrogen(4). A variant yeast strain, Candida famata, isolated from gold mine effluent was able to grow on various nitrile compounds, including succinonitrile, as a sole source of nitrogen, after acclimatization(5). Pseudomonas putida, a bacterium isolated from soil that can utilize high concentrations of acetonitrile as a sole source of carbon and nitrogen, could also utilize various nitriles, including succinonitrile(6).

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of succinonitrile with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated as 4.3X10-14 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) using a structure estimation method(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 380 days at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1). Hydrolysis is not expected to be an important environmental fate process since this compound lacks functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions(2). Succinonitrile is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight, since it does not contain functional groups that are expected to absorb light with wavelengths >290 nm(SRC).

An estimated BCF of 3 was calculated for succinonitrile(SRC), using a log Kow of -0.99(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).

Using a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indices(1), the Koc for succinonitrile can be estimated to be 28(SRC). According to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that succinonitrile is expected to have very high mobility in soil.

The Henry's Law constant for succinonitrile is estimated as 6.5X10-9 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) derived from its vapor pressure, 0.00778 mm Hg(1), and water solubility, 126.9 g/L(2). This Henry's Law constant indicates that succinonitrile is expected to be essentially nonvolatile from water surfaces(3). Succinonitrile's estimated Henry's Law constant indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces is not expected to occur(SRC). Succinonitrile is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure(1).

NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 1,440 workers are potentially exposed to succinonitrile in the US(1). Occupational exposure to succinonitrile may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where succinonitrile is produced or used(SRC).

Environmental effects from the substance have not been investigated adequately.

Aliphatic nitriles such as succinonitrile are important starting materials for polymers, and the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and pesticides. Succinonitrile's production and use may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 0.00778 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates succinonitrile will exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. The reaction of vapor-phase succinonitrile with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals is not expected to be an important environmental fate process based on the estimated half-life for this reaction in air of 380 days. Succinonitrile is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight, since it does not contain functional groups that are expected to absorb light with wavelengths >290 nm. If released to soil, succinonitrile is expected to have very high mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 28. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 5.1X10-9 atm-cu m/mole. Succinonitrile is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces based upon its vapor pressure. In studies with activated sludge, biodegradation of 1.5-3.8% was observed after 6-24 hours. These studies suggest that succinonitrile may have been toxic to the microorganisms, since a high concentration of succinonitrile was used. If released into water, succinonitrile is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment based upon the estimated Koc. Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process based upon this compound's estimated Henry's Law constant. An estimated BCF of 3 suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. Hydrolysis is not expected to be an important environmental fate process since this compound lacks functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions. Occupational exposure to succinonitrile may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where succinonitrile is produced or used. (SRC)

Aliphatic nitriles, such as succinonitrile, are important starting materials for polymers, and the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and pesticides(1). Succinonitrile's production and use may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 28(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that succinonitrile is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of succinonitrile from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 6.5X10-9 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 0.00778 mm Hg(3), and water solubility, 126.9 g/L(4). Succinonitrile is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 0.00778 mm Hg(3). In studies with activated sludge, biodegradation of 1.5-3.8% was observed after 6-24 hours(5). These studies suggest that succinonitrile may have been toxic to the microorganisms, since a high concentration of succinonitrile was used(5).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 28(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that succinonitrile is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 6.5X10-9 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 0.00778 mm Hg(4) and water solubility, 126.9 g/L(5). According to a classification scheme(6), an estimated BCF of 3(SRC), from its log Kow of -0.99(7) and a regression-derived equation(8), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Hydrolysis is not expected to be an important environmental fate process since this compound lacks functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions(9). In studies with activated sludge, biodegradation of 1.5-3.8% was observed after 6-24 hours(10). These studies suggest that succinonitrile may have been toxic to the microorganisms, since a high concentration of succinonitrile was used(10).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), succinonitrile, which has a vapor pressure of 0.00778 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. The reaction of vapor-phase succinonitrile with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals is not expected to be an important environmental fate based on the estimated half-life for this reaction in air of 380 days, calculated from its rate constant of 4.3X10-14 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 deg (SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(3). Succinonitrile is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight, since it does not contain functional groups that are expected to absorb light with wavelengths >290 nm(SRC).

The test concentration of succinonitrile at 500 ppm was found to be toxic to microorganisms in sludges from 3 municipal treatment plants and inhibited biodegradation as determined using Warburg constant-volume respirometers(1). Succinonitrile (500 mg/L) reached 1.5, 2.4, and 3.8% of the theoretical oxygen demand after 6, 12, and 24 hours in a study using a Warburg respirometer and activated sludge solids (2,500 mg/L)(2). A mixed microbial culture isolated from an environment contaminated with organic cyanides and polychlorinated biphenyls was found to utilize nitriles, including succinonitrile, as growth substrates(3). Aeromonas sp. BN 7013 was isolated from a soil sample and was found to utilize succinonitrile as a sole source of nitrogen(4). A variant yeast strain, Candida famata, isolated from gold mine effluent was able to grow on various nitrile compounds, including succinonitrile, as a sole source of nitrogen, after acclimatization(5). Pseudomonas putida, a bacterium isolated from soil that can utilize high concentrations of acetonitrile as a sole source of carbon and nitrogen, could also utilize various nitriles, including succinonitrile(6).

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of succinonitrile with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated as 4.3X10-14 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) using a structure estimation method(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 380 days at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1). Hydrolysis is not expected to be an important environmental fate process since this compound lacks functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions(2). Succinonitrile is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight, since it does not contain functional groups that are expected to absorb light with wavelengths >290 nm(SRC).

An estimated BCF of 3 was calculated for succinonitrile(SRC), using a log Kow of -0.99(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).

Using a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indices(1), the Koc for succinonitrile can be estimated to be 28(SRC). According to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that succinonitrile is expected to have very high mobility in soil.

The Henry's Law constant for succinonitrile is estimated as 6.5X10-9 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) derived from its vapor pressure, 0.00778 mm Hg(1), and water solubility, 126.9 g/L(2). This Henry's Law constant indicates that succinonitrile is expected to be essentially nonvolatile from water surfaces(3). Succinonitrile's estimated Henry's Law constant indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces is not expected to occur(SRC). Succinonitrile is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure(1).

NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 1,440 workers are potentially exposed to succinonitrile in the US(1). Occupational exposure to succinonitrile may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where succinonitrile is produced or used(SRC).

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational exposure or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic, and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.

UN Hazard Class: 6.1; UN Pack Group: III