Chemical Name: N-Butyronitrile
Synonyms: 1-Cyanopropane, 1-Butanenitrile, Propyl cyanide
CAS Number: 109-74-0
Recommended Use: Industrial chemical, solvent, intermediate for pharmaceuticals and pesticides
Manufacturer Information: Company name, address, phone number, emergency contact (as provided by supplier)
Emergency Number: Local poison control center or Chemtrec at 1-800-424-9300 (USA or per region)
Hazard Class: Flammable liquid (Category 3), Acute toxicity (Category 3, oral; Category 3, inhalation), Skin irritation (Category 2)
Pictograms: Flame, Exclamation mark, Skull and crossbones
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Flammable liquid and vapor. Toxic if swallowed or inhaled. Causes skin irritation. Suspected of causing respiratory irritation, central nervous system effects, and damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure.
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames. Use protective gloves, eye and face protection. Avoid breathing vapors, mists, or spray.
Component: N-Butyronitrile
CAS Number: 109-74-0
Concentration: >99%
Impurities: Potential trace impurities <0.5% (not relevant for classification)
Inhalation: Move exposed person to fresh air. If breathing stops, give artificial respiration and seek immediate medical attention. Oxygen may be administered if trained personnel are available.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash affected area thoroughly with soap and water. If irritation develops or persists, seek medical attention.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing, seek medical assistance if irritation continues.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, do not induce vomiting. Seek emergency medical attention immediately. Never give anything by mouth if the person is unconscious.
Most Important Symptoms: Headache, nausea, dizziness, respiratory distress, possible convulsions, cyanosis (bluish skin), or loss of consciousness in severe cases.
Recommendations for Immediate Medical Attention: Antidote may be needed for cyanide poisoning due to nitrile metabolism—inform attending physician.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide (CO2), water spray (cooling only, not direct jet)
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Direct water jet increases risk of spreading fire
Specific Hazards: Vapors form explosive mixtures with air, heavier than air, and can flashback. Burns with intense heat producing toxic gases including hydrogen cyanide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide.
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Precautions: Use water spray to cool containers near fire. Prevent fire-fighting runoff from entering drains, sewers, or waterways.
Personal Precautions: Evacuate area, ventilate, eliminate sources of ignition. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, impermeable clothing, and appropriate respirator.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, waterways, and soil. Notify authorities if major spill contaminates the environment.
Methods for Containment and Cleanup: Absorb spill with inert material like sand or earth. Collect in tightly closed container for proper disposal. Clean spill site with water and detergent after material pickup.
Precautions for Cleanup Crew: Work upwind, avoid inhalation and contact with skin or eyes, use tools to minimize handling liquid.
Precautions for Safe Handling: Use only in well-ventilated areas. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Do not breathe vapors or mists. Use spark-proof tools and explosion-proof equipment. No eating, drinking, or smoking during handling.
Conditions for Safe Storage: Store in flammable liquids area, tightly closed containers, away from incompatible materials such as strong oxidizers or acids. Keep away from heat, sparks, direct sunlight. Store at ambient temperature in a dry, ventilated place.
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidants, acids, reducing agents, alkalis
Occupational Exposure Limits: ACGIH TLV: 2 ppm (skin, vapor), OSHA PEL (not established)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, explosion-proof ventilation systems
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical splash goggles, face shield, flame-resistant lab coat or apron, butyl or nitrile gloves, respiratory protection (NIOSH-approved organic vapor cartridge or supplied air respirator for high concentrations)
Hygiene: Wash hands before breaks and after work; remove contaminated clothing and launder before reuse.
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Sweetish, pungent almond-like smell
Odor Threshold: 0.1–1 ppm (estimated)
pH: Not available (neutral aqueous solution)
Melting Point/Freezing Point: -112 °C
Boiling Point: 117–119 °C
Flash Point: 31 °C (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Not measured
Flammability: Flammable liquid
Explosive Limits: 1.7% (lower) – 9% (upper) by volume in air
Vapor Pressure: 18 mmHg at 25 °C
Vapor Density: 2.4 (air = 1)
Relative Density: 0.79 (water = 1)
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water (7 g/L, 20 °C), miscible with most organic solvents
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): 0.8
Auto-ignition Temperature: 510 °C
Decomposition Temperature: Not measured
Viscosity: 0.49 cP (25 °C)
Chemical Stability: Stable under standard temperature and pressure, away from open flame, sparks, and incompatible materials
Conditions to Avoid: Elevated temperatures, static electricity, open flames, strong oxidizers, acids, or bases
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, acids, reducing agents
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen cyanide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Violent reactions possible with strong oxidants. Can polymerize at high temperature in presence of acids or bases.
Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion
Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat): 116 mg/kg
LD50 (dermal, rabbit): 975 mg/kg
LC50 (inhalation, rat): 400 ppm (4h)
Symptoms: Headache, shortness of breath, nausea, confusion, irritation of eyes and skin, high doses may cause cyanosis, convulsions, respiratory depression, or death
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure may affect the central nervous system and liver
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as a carcinogen by IARC, NTP, OSHA
Other Data: Can be metabolized in the body to cyanide, leading to toxic effects, particularly after repeated or high-intensity exposure.
Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms. May cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment.
Persistence and Degradability: Moderately biodegradable in soil and water. Slow volatilization from surface water, photolysis in air.
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low (log Kow 0.8), but risk of bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms exists.
Mobility in Soil: High, can leach through soil, potential to contaminate groundwater.
Other Adverse Effects: Toxic to fish and invertebrates at low concentrations. Prevent discharge of concentrated solutions into surface waters.
Waste Treatment Methods: Incinerate in a chemical incinerator equipped with afterburner and scrubber. Do not dispose of in drains or natural watercourses.
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse thoroughly and dispose of according to local, regional, or national regulations.
Disposal Regulations: Dispose of unused material and contaminated containers as hazardous waste. Follow requirements of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) in the United States and local regulations abroad.
Recommendations: Consult with licensed chemical waste disposal contractor to ensure compliance.
UN Number: 2056
UN Proper Shipping Name: N-Butyronitrile
Transport Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable liquid)
Packing Group: II
Marine Pollutant: Not classified as such
Labels: Flammable liquid, Toxic
Special Precautions: Use approved containers. Transport away from foodstuffs and incompatible materials. Ensure transport personnel understand hazards and emergency action needed for leakage or accident.
Regulatory Transport Information: Follows rules defined by ADR/RID, IMDG, IATA.
TSCA Status: Listed
ECHA (REACH): Registered
SARA Title III (Sections 302/304/313): N-Butyronitrile is subject to reporting under certain emergency planning and community right-to-know rules.
Canada DSL/NDSL: Listed on DSL
Other International Inventories: Listed in Japan (ENCS), Australia (AICS), China (IECSC), Korea (KECI)
OSHA: Regulated as hazardous
WHMIS Classification (Canada): B2 (Flammable Liquid), D1A (Very toxic material), D2B (Skin irritant)
Labeling Requirements: Conforms to GHS; use appropriate pictograms, hazard and precautionary statements.
