Lactonitrile

This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 27% (55 of 204) of reports.

H300 (52.9%): Fatal if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]

H301 (20.1%): Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]

H310 (71.6%): Fatal in contact with skin [Danger Acute toxicity, dermal]

H330 (52.9%): Fatal if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]

H332 (18.6%): Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]

H400 (52.9%): Very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]

H412 (52.9%): Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]

P260, P261, P262, P264, P270, P271, P273, P280, P284, P301+P316, P302+P352, P304+P340, P316, P317, P320, P321, P330, P361+P364, P391, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 204 reports by companies from 8 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 55 of 204 reports by companies.

There are 7 notifications provided by 149 of 204 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).

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.

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

H310 (100%): Fatal in contact with skin [Danger Acute toxicity, dermal]

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

P261, P262, P264, P270, P271, P280, P301+P316, P302+P352, P304+P340, P316, P321, P330, P361+P364, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 38 reports by companies from 1 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

H227: Combustible liquid [Warning Flammable liquids]

H300: Fatal if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]

H310: Fatal in contact with skin [Danger Acute toxicity, dermal]

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

H373: May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]

P210, P260, P262, P264, P270, P280, P301+P316, P302+P352, P308+P316, P316, P319, P321, P330, P361+P364, P370+P378, P403, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Warning: Heart palpitations may occur within minutes after exposure. Caution is advised. Vital signs should be monitored closely. Symptoms may be delayed.

Signs and Symptoms of Acute Lactonitrile Exposure: Signs and symptoms of acute exposure to lactonitrile may include hypertension (high blood pressure) and tachycardia (rapid heart rate), followed by hypotension (low blood pressure) and bradycardia (slow heart rate). Cherry-red mucous membranes and blood, cardiac arrhythmias, and other cardiac abnormalities are common. Cyanosis (blue tint to the skin and mucous membranes) may be present following exposure to lactonitrile. Salivation, nausea, and vomiting may also occur. Tachypnea (rapid respiratory rate) may be followed by respiratory depression. Lung hemorrhage and pulmonary edema may occur. Headache, vertigo (dizziness), agitation, and giddiness may be followed by combative behavior, convulsions, paralysis, protruding eyeballs, dilated and unreactive pupils, and coma. Lactonitrile is irritating to the skin and mucous membranes. Lacrimation (tearing) and a burning sensation of the mouth and throat are common.

Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to lactonitrile may require decontamination and life support for the victims. All exposed persons should be transported to a health care facility as quickly as possible. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.

Inhalation Exposure:

1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to lactonitrile.

2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. IMMEDIATELY begin administering 100% oxygen to all victims. Monitor victims for respiratory distress.Warning: To prevent self-poisoning, avoid mouth-to-mouth breathing; use a forced-oxygen mask. Direct oral contact with lactonitrile-contaminated persons or their gastric contents may result in self-poisoning.

3. RUSH to a health care facility!

4. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.

Dermal/Eye Exposure:

1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self- exposure to lactonitrile.

4. Remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible.

5. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.

6. Wash exposed skin areas twice with soap and water.

7. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.

Ingestion Exposure:

1. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. IMMEDIATELY begin administering 100% oxygen to all victims. Monitor victims for respiratory distress.Warning: To prevent self-poisoning, avoid mouth-to-mouth breathing; use a forced-oxygen mask. Direct oral contact with lactonitrile-contaminated persons or their gastric contents may result in self-poisoning.

2. RUSH to a health care facility!

3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.

4. DO NOT induce vomiting. Ipecac is not recommended for ingestion of lactonitrile.

5. Activated charcoal may be administered if victims are conscious and alert. Use 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) for children, 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) for adults, with 125 to 250 mL (1/2 to 1 cup) of water. (EPA, 1998)

Foam, carbon dioxide, dry chemical. (EPA, 1998)

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: See ERG Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances on the UN/NA 3276 datasheet.

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)

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/

A poor candidate for incineration. /Cyanides/

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/

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.

Caution : Lactonitrile toxicity can occur via ingestion, dermal/eye contact, or ingestion; death may occur within minutes. IMMEDIATELY begin administering 100% oxygen and rush victims to a health care facility. Toxic hydrogen cyanide gas may be released upon contact with alkali or when heated to decomposition.

Do not breathe vapors or touch spilled material. (EPA, 1998)

0.081 [ppm]

0.89 [ppm]

5.4 [ppm]

For emergency situations, wear a positive pressure, pressure-demand, full facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or pressure- demand supplied air respirator with escape SCBA and a fully-encapsulating, chemical resistant suit. (EPA, 1998)

Straw colored liquid. Used as a solvent /intermediate in production of ethyl lactate and lactic acid. (EPA, 1998)

Straw-colored liquid; [Hawley] Yellow to orange liquid; [MSDSonline]

YELLOW LIQUID

Straw-colored liq

360 to 363 °F at 760 mmHg Slight decomposition (EPA, 1998)

221 °C @760 [mm Hg]

-40 °F (EPA, 1998)

170 °F (EPA, 1998)

171 °F (77 °C) (closed cup)

greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 73 °F (NTP, 1992)

Soluble in water and alcohol; insoluble in petroleum ether and carbon disulfide.

Miscible in water and ethanol; soluble in ethyl ether and chloroform.

0.9877 at 68 °F (EPA, 1998) - Less dense than water; will float

0.9877 @ 20 °C/4 °C

0.9834 @25 °C

2.45 (EPA, 1998) - Heavier than air; will sink (Relative to Air)

2.45 (Air= 1)

10 mmHg at 165.2 °F (EPA, 1998)

0.11 [mmHg]

1.19X10-1 mm Hg @ 25 °C

0.119 [mm Hg] @25 °C

log Kow= -0.94

... WHEN HEATED TO DECOMP, IT RELEASES HIGHLY TOXIC CYANIDE FUMES.

Index of refraction: 1.4058 @ 18 °C/D

Coriolis coupling

Schoenflies notation

Centrifugal distortion

Chemical bond

Equilibrium structure

Internuclear distance

Molecular structure

Nuclear quadrupole coupling

Optical coefficient

Point group

Quadrupole coupling

Refractive index

Rotation-vibration spectrum

Rotational excitation cross section

Surface tension

Vibrational mode frequency

Water soluble.

Alcohols and Polyols

Nitriles

LACTONITRILE is incompatible with strong acids, strong bases and strong reducing agents. It is also incompatible with strong oxidizers. In the presence of alkali, it evolves toxic compounds. (NTP, 1992).

EVOLVES HYDROCYANIC ACID IN PRESENCE OF ALKALI.

Other Poison - Chemical Asphyxiant

Lactonitrile

PDF Document

Inadequate information to assess carcinogenic potential

SCREEN Current

PPRTV Current

LCLo (rat) = 125 ppm/4h

LD50 Rat oral 21 mg/kg

Rapid support of respiration and 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, administration of 100% oxygen, insertion of intravenous lines, and institution of cardiac monitoring. Obtain an arterial blood gas immediately and 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 increases O2 delivery, may reactivate cyanide-inhibited mitochondrial enzymes, and 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 and the potential for cardiovascular collapse, this step may be omitted if sodium nitrite is readily available and the patient is not in extremis. Adequate ventilation and oxygenation are more important than administration of amyl nitrite. One perle (0.2 ml) is crushed and inhaled for 30 seconds every minute until iv nitrite is given. Sodium nitrite (3% solution), as 10 ml of a 3% solution (eg, 300 mg), is administered iv slowly over 4 minutes to produce a 20% methemoglobin level in adults. Children should receive 0.33 ml of the 3% solution per kilogram initially at an infusion rate of 2.5 ml/min, up to a maximum of 10 ml. Administer sodium nitrite doses to children on the basis of body weight, since fatal methemoglobinemia has occurred in children. /Cyanides/

A case of cyanide poisoning resulting from exposure to propionitrile was decribed. A 55 year old male employed at a chemical facility suffered dermal and respiratory exposure while attempting to repair a pump leaking propionitrile. Although he was wearing gloves, he did not have any other protective equipment. He rapidly lost consciousness and was taken to the infirmary. Upon arrival at the infirmary, he was comatose and unresponsive. He was administered oxygen at the rate of 5 l/min and transferred to the intensive care unit of a hospital. Clinical studies showed evidence of respiratory alkalosis and mild metabolic acidosis. The patient received 4 g hydroxycobalamin and 8 g sodium thiosulfate intravenously over 30 minutes. The symptoms completely cleared up over the next hr. Blood cyanide and thiocyanate concentrations were monitored. Before receiving the hydroxycobalamin and thiosulfate treatment, his blood cyanide concn was 5.71 ug/ml. The thiocyanate concn was negligible. After the cyanide/thiosulfate infusion was completed, the blood cyanide concn had decreased to 0.93 ug/ml and the thiocyanate had increased to 21.1 ug/ml. The thiocyanate concentrations returned to the baseline value 5 hr after treatment. ... Propionitrile can release cyanide and produce serious poisoning after skin or inhalation exposure. The combination of sodium thiosulfate and hydroxycobalamin is an effective antidote. /Propionitrile/

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 rd 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 TKO /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 (Valium) ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Cyanide and related compounds/

It is unknown whether or not lactonitrile produces its /toxic/ effects by virtue of hydrolysis to give cyanide ion or whether it acts as molecule.

... Extremely toxic cmpd by oral administration and skin or eye contact. Acute oral LD50 (species not mentioned) was 21 mg/kg with deaths occurring ... 10 mg/kg. ... 0.05 ml of undiluted cmpd applied to eye was fatal to all animals within ... 5 min. LD50 by skin application was less than 1 ml/kg with all deaths occurring within 1 hr.

TLm Pinperch 0.215 mg/l/24 hr in sea water. /Conditions of bioassay not specified/

TLm Pimephales promelas (fathead minnow) 0.9 mg/l/96 hr. /Conditions of bioassay not specified/

TLm Guppies 1.37 mg/l/96 hr. /Conditions of bioassay not specified/

1.30e+01

1.60e+02

4.00e+00

5.00e+01

8.10e-04

2.00e-04

Volatile

3.80e+01

4.90e+02

1.20e+01

2-Hydroxypropanenitrile's production and use as a chemical intermediate or solvent may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 0.119 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates 2-hydroxypropanenitrile will exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase 2-hydroxypropanenitrile 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 10 days. A Henry's Law constant of 9.8X10-6 atm-cu m/mole suggests 2-hydroxypropanenitrile is expected to volatilize from moist soil and water surfaces. However, 2-hydroxypropanenitrile reacts rapidly with water and dissociates to acetaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide and adsorption, volatilization, bioconcentration and biodegradation are not expected to be important fate processes. Occupational exposure to 2-hydroxypropanenitrile may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where 2-hydroxypropanenitrile is produced or used. There are no data available to suggest that the general population is exposed to 2-hydroxypropanenitrile. (SRC)

2-Hydroxypropanenitrile's production and use as an solvent or chemical intermediate(1) 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 1(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that 2-hydroxypropanenitrile is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of 2-hydroxypropanenitrile from moist soil surfaces may be an important fate process(SRC) based on the estimated Henry's Law constant of 9.8X10-6 atm-cu m/mole, estimated using a fragment constant estimation method(3). 2-Hydroxypropanenitrile is expected to hydrolyze in moist soil surfaces to acetaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide(4). Although the kinetics of hydrolysis for 2-hydroxypropanenitrile are unknown, a structurally similar chemical, 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-propanenitrile, has a reported hydrolysis half-life of 9 minutes at pH 7.2 and 26 °C(5). 2-Hydroxypropanenitrile is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 0.119 mm Hg(6).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 1(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that 2-hydroxypropanenitrile is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(SRC) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 9.8X10-6 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), developed using a fragment constant estimation method(4). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are calculated to be 3 days and 26 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(5), an estimated BCF of 3(SRC), from its log Kow of -0.94(6) and a regression-derived equation(7), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. However, a hydrolysis half-life of 9 minutes for the structurally related 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-propanenitrile(8), suggests that 2-hydroxypropanenitrile will hydrolyze rapidly in the environment and volatilization, bioconcentration, and biodegradation will not be important fate processes(SRC).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), 2-hydroxypropanenitrile, which has a vapor pressure of 0.119 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase 2-hydroxypropanenitrile 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 10 days(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 1.60X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C, determined using a structure estimation method(3).

AEROBIC: The relatively low molecular weight hydrocarbon structure of 2-hydroxypropanenitrile suggests that biodegradation in soil and water is expected to be an important fate process(1). One screening study has demonstrated that 2-hydroxypropanenitrile was readily degraded in Ohio River water in the US(2), although this process could have been hydrolysis. Using Ohio River water as inoculum (with no special acclimation) and an aerobic test system, theoretical BODs of 50% and 70% were measured for 2-hydroxypropanenitrile after 2 and 5 day inoculation periods, respectively, at concns of 0.4-15 mg/l(2); re-dosing the system resulted in a 60% theoretical BOD(2). An activated sludge system that was acclimated to 2-hydroxypropanenitrile experienced a 87-98% BOD removal over a 4 week operation period while receiving influent 2-hydroxypropanenitrile levels that averaged 88 mg/l(3).

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of 2-hydroxypropanenitrile with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated as 1.60X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) using a structure estimation method(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 10 days at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1). 2-Hydroxypropanenitrile is expected to react with water and dissociate to acetaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide(2). Although the kinetics of hydrolysis for 2-hydroxypropanenitrile are unknown, a structurally similar chemical, 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-propanenitrile has a reported hydrolysis half-life of 9 minutes at pH 7.2 and 26 °C(3).

An estimated BCF of 3 was calculated for 2-hydroxypropanenitrile(SRC), using a log Kow of -0.94(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. 2-Hydroxypropanenitrile hydrolyzes in water(4) which suggests that bioconcentration in aquatic organisms should not be environmentally important(SRC).

Using a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indices(1), the Koc for 2-hydroxypropanenitrile can be estimated to be about 1(SRC). According to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that 2-hydroxypropanenitrile is expected to have very high mobility in soil. 2-Hydroxypropanenitrile hydrolyzes in water(3) which suggests that leaching in soil is likely to occur(SRC).

The Henry's Law constant for 2-hydroxypropanenitrile is estimated as 9.8X10-6 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) using a fragment constant estimation method(1). The value for the Henry's Law constant indicates that 2-hydroxypropanenitrile is expected to volatilize from water surfaces(2). Based on the 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 3 days(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 26 days(SRC). The Henry's Law constant(1,SRC) indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces may occur(SRC). 2-Hydroxypropanenitrile is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 0.12 mm Hg(3). 2-Hydroxypropanenitrile hydrolyzes in water(4) which suggests that volatilization from moist soils and water surfaces will not be the dominant environmental fate process(SRC).

Occupational exposure to 2-hydroxypropanenitrile may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where 2-hydroxypropanenitrile is produced or used. (SRC)

TLm Pinperch 0.215 mg/l/24 hr in sea water. /Conditions of bioassay not specified/

TLm Pimephales promelas (fathead minnow) 0.9 mg/l/96 hr. /Conditions of bioassay not specified/

TLm Guppies 1.37 mg/l/96 hr. /Conditions of bioassay not specified/

1.30e+01

1.60e+02

4.00e+00

5.00e+01

8.10e-04

2.00e-04

Volatile

3.80e+01

4.90e+02

1.20e+01

2-Hydroxypropanenitrile's production and use as a chemical intermediate or solvent may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 0.119 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates 2-hydroxypropanenitrile will exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase 2-hydroxypropanenitrile 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 10 days. A Henry's Law constant of 9.8X10-6 atm-cu m/mole suggests 2-hydroxypropanenitrile is expected to volatilize from moist soil and water surfaces. However, 2-hydroxypropanenitrile reacts rapidly with water and dissociates to acetaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide and adsorption, volatilization, bioconcentration and biodegradation are not expected to be important fate processes. Occupational exposure to 2-hydroxypropanenitrile may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where 2-hydroxypropanenitrile is produced or used. There are no data available to suggest that the general population is exposed to 2-hydroxypropanenitrile. (SRC)

2-Hydroxypropanenitrile's production and use as an solvent or chemical intermediate(1) 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 1(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that 2-hydroxypropanenitrile is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of 2-hydroxypropanenitrile from moist soil surfaces may be an important fate process(SRC) based on the estimated Henry's Law constant of 9.8X10-6 atm-cu m/mole, estimated using a fragment constant estimation method(3). 2-Hydroxypropanenitrile is expected to hydrolyze in moist soil surfaces to acetaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide(4). Although the kinetics of hydrolysis for 2-hydroxypropanenitrile are unknown, a structurally similar chemical, 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-propanenitrile, has a reported hydrolysis half-life of 9 minutes at pH 7.2 and 26 °C(5). 2-Hydroxypropanenitrile is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 0.119 mm Hg(6).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 1(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that 2-hydroxypropanenitrile is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(SRC) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 9.8X10-6 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), developed using a fragment constant estimation method(4). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are calculated to be 3 days and 26 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(5), an estimated BCF of 3(SRC), from its log Kow of -0.94(6) and a regression-derived equation(7), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. However, a hydrolysis half-life of 9 minutes for the structurally related 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-propanenitrile(8), suggests that 2-hydroxypropanenitrile will hydrolyze rapidly in the environment and volatilization, bioconcentration, and biodegradation will not be important fate processes(SRC).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), 2-hydroxypropanenitrile, which has a vapor pressure of 0.119 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase 2-hydroxypropanenitrile 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 10 days(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 1.60X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C, determined using a structure estimation method(3).

AEROBIC: The relatively low molecular weight hydrocarbon structure of 2-hydroxypropanenitrile suggests that biodegradation in soil and water is expected to be an important fate process(1). One screening study has demonstrated that 2-hydroxypropanenitrile was readily degraded in Ohio River water in the US(2), although this process could have been hydrolysis. Using Ohio River water as inoculum (with no special acclimation) and an aerobic test system, theoretical BODs of 50% and 70% were measured for 2-hydroxypropanenitrile after 2 and 5 day inoculation periods, respectively, at concns of 0.4-15 mg/l(2); re-dosing the system resulted in a 60% theoretical BOD(2). An activated sludge system that was acclimated to 2-hydroxypropanenitrile experienced a 87-98% BOD removal over a 4 week operation period while receiving influent 2-hydroxypropanenitrile levels that averaged 88 mg/l(3).

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of 2-hydroxypropanenitrile with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated as 1.60X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) using a structure estimation method(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 10 days at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1). 2-Hydroxypropanenitrile is expected to react with water and dissociate to acetaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide(2). Although the kinetics of hydrolysis for 2-hydroxypropanenitrile are unknown, a structurally similar chemical, 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-propanenitrile has a reported hydrolysis half-life of 9 minutes at pH 7.2 and 26 °C(3).

An estimated BCF of 3 was calculated for 2-hydroxypropanenitrile(SRC), using a log Kow of -0.94(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. 2-Hydroxypropanenitrile hydrolyzes in water(4) which suggests that bioconcentration in aquatic organisms should not be environmentally important(SRC).

Using a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indices(1), the Koc for 2-hydroxypropanenitrile can be estimated to be about 1(SRC). According to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that 2-hydroxypropanenitrile is expected to have very high mobility in soil. 2-Hydroxypropanenitrile hydrolyzes in water(3) which suggests that leaching in soil is likely to occur(SRC).

The Henry's Law constant for 2-hydroxypropanenitrile is estimated as 9.8X10-6 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) using a fragment constant estimation method(1). The value for the Henry's Law constant indicates that 2-hydroxypropanenitrile is expected to volatilize from water surfaces(2). Based on the 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 3 days(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 26 days(SRC). The Henry's Law constant(1,SRC) indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces may occur(SRC). 2-Hydroxypropanenitrile is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 0.12 mm Hg(3). 2-Hydroxypropanenitrile hydrolyzes in water(4) which suggests that volatilization from moist soils and water surfaces will not be the dominant environmental fate process(SRC).

Occupational exposure to 2-hydroxypropanenitrile may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where 2-hydroxypropanenitrile is produced or used. (SRC)

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/

A poor candidate for incineration. /Cyanides/