Methacrylonitrile

Description

Methylacrylonitrile is a colorless liquid with an odor like bitter almonds. Odor threshold= 7.0 ppm. It is reported that methacrylonitrile cannot be detected by its smell even at concentrations which are already dangerous for humans. Hence, special attention must be given to ventilation and estimations of the amount of poison present and must be carried out frequently. Molecular weight= 67.10; Specific gravity (H2O:1)= 0.80;Boiling point=90.6℃; Freezing/Melting point=35.8℃; Vapor pressure= 71 mmHg at 25℃; Flash point=1.1℃ (cc). Explosive limits: LEL= 2%; UEL= 6.8%. Hazard Identification (based on NFPA-704 M Rating System): Health 2, Flammability 3, Reactivity 2. Slightly soluble in water; solubility in water=3%.

Chemical properties

CLEAR COLOURLESS TO VERY SLIGHTLY YELLOW LIQUID

Chemical properties

Methylacrylonitrile is a colorless liquid with an odor like bitter almonds. It is reported that methacrylonitrile cannot be detected by its smell even at concentrations which are already dangerous for humans. Hence, special attention must be given to ventilation and estimations of the amount of poison present must be carried out frequently.

The Uses of Methacrylonitrile

This study reports the toxicity and metabolism of Methacrylonitrile (MeAN) in normal male Sprague-Dawley rats and those pre-treated with caffeine, alcohol or both. These results suggest that caffeine inhibited and alcohol enhanced toxicity and metabolism of MeAN.

The Uses of Methacrylonitrile

In preparation of homopolymers and copolymers; as an intermediate in the preparation of acids, amides, amines, esters, nitriles.

The Uses of Methacrylonitrile

Methylacrylonitrile is used to make coating and elastomers and as an intermediate in the preparation of acids, amine, amides, and esters.

Production Methods

1.Methyl acrylonitrile can be derived from isobutyraldehyde.
2.Methacrylonitrile can be produced by ammoxidation of isobutene. Its copolymerization with methacrylic acid gives poly (methacrylimide), an engineering plastic commercialized under the trade name Rohacell by R€ohm (Federal Republic of Germany) .

General Description

A clear colorless liquid. Less dense than water. Flash point 55°F. Boiling point 195°F. Very be toxic by ingestion, inhalation and skin absorption. Used to make plastics and coatings.

Air & Water Reactions

Highly flammable. Soluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

METHACRYLONITRILE is a colorless, flammable, toxic liquid. Explosive in the form of vapor when exposed to heat, flame or sparks. When heated to decomposition Methacrylonitrile emits toxic fumes of nitrile and oxides of nitrogen [Lewis, 3rd ed., 1993, p. 829].

Hazard

Flammable. Toxic by ingestion, inhalation, and skin absorption.

Health Hazard

A lacrimator (causes tearing); an insidious poison which causes delayed skin reactions. Very readily absorbed through skin. Highly toxic.

Health Hazard

Methylacrylonitrile is a moderate to severe acute toxicant. The degree of toxicity varied with toxic routes and species. Inhalation, ingestion, and skin application on test subjects produced convulsion. Exposure to high concentrations can result in asphyxia and death. The lethal concentrations varied among species from 50 to 400 ppm over a 4- hour exposure period. The clinical symptoms observed in rats suggested a toxic activity of metabolically formed cyanide (Peter and Bolt 1985). This finding was in contrast with acrylonitrile toxicity in the same species, where formation of metabolic cyanide played a minor role.
Methylacrylonitrile is a mild skin and eye irritant. However, it is readily absorbed by skin. It showed delayed skin reaction. In mice, the lethal dose from intraperitoneal administration was 15 mg/kg. The oral toxicity due to this compound was also relatively high; an LD50 of 11.6 mg/kg was determined in mice. There is no report of its mutagenic, teratogenic, or carcinogenic actions in animals or humans. 4-Dimethylaminophenol plus sodium thiosulfate or Nacetylcystein was shown to antagonize the acute toxicity of methylacrylonitrile (Peter and Bolt 1985).

Fire Hazard

Methacrylonitrile evolves flammable concentrations of vapor at temperatures down to 55.04F. Thus, at room temperatures, flammable concentrations are liable to be present. Toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides are released when the material burns. Also, the chemical will explode due to its tendency to polymerize violently. Avoid heat. Hazardous polymerization may occur.

Safety Profile

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

Potential Exposure

This material is used as a monomer in the preparation of polymeric coatings and elastomers

First aid

If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least 15 min, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure, begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical facility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get 1720 Methacrylonitrile medical attention. Give large quantities of water and induce vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit.

storage

Color Code—Red: Flammability Hazard: Store in a flammable liquid storage area or approved cabinet away from ignition sources and corrosive and reactive materials. Prior to working with this chemical you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. Before entering confined space where this chemical may be present, check to make sure that an explosive concentration does not exist. Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat. Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibited where methylacrylonitrile is handled, used, or stored. Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more of methylacrylonitrile should be grounded and bonded. Drums must be equipped with self-closing valves, pressure vacuum bungs, and flame arresters. Use only nonsparking tools and equipment, especially when opening and closing containers of methylacrylonitrile. Wherever methylacrylonitrile is used, handled, manufactured, or stored, use explosion-proof electrical equipment and fittings.

Shipping

UN3079 Methacrylonitrile, stabilized, Labels: 6.1; Hazard class: 6.1, 3-Flammable liquid, Inhalation Hazard Zone B.

Purification Methods

Wash it with saturated aqueous NaHSO3 (to remove inhibitors such as p-tert-butylcatechol), 1% NaOH in saturated NaCl and then with saturated NaCl. Dry it with CaCl2 and fractionally distil it under nitrogen to separate it from impurities such as methacrolein and acetone. [Beilstein 2 IV 1539.]

Incompatibilities

May form explosive mixture with air. Methacrylonitrile evolves flammable concentrations of vapor at temperatures down to 12.8C. Thus, at room temperatures, flammable concentrations are liable to be present. Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates, nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Keep away from alkaline materials, strong bases, strong acids, oxoacids, epoxides, aliphatic amines, alkanolamines, alkali, and light. Heat sensitive; polymerization may occur due to elevated temperature, visible light, or contact with a concentrated alkali. Note: Typically contains 50 pm of monoethyl ether hydroquinone (662-62-8) as an inhibitor to prevent polymerization.

Waste Disposal

Consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices. Generators of waste containing this contaminant (≥100 kg/mo) must conform to EPA regulations governing storage, transportation, treatment, and waste disposal. Add alcoholic NaOH, then oxidize with sodium hypochlorite. After reaction, flush to sewer with water