NIOSH Publication No. 2005-151:

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

September 2005

Isobutyronitrile

CAS
78-82-0

(CH3)2CHCN

RTECS
TZ4900000
Synonyms & Trade Names

Isopropyl cyanide, 2-Methylpropanenitrile, 2-Methylpropionitrile
DOT ID & Guide
2284 / 131

Exposure
Limits

NIOSH REL: TWA 8 ppm (22 mg/m3)
OSHA PEL: none
IDLH
N.D. See: IDLH INDEX
Conversion
1 ppm = 2.83 mg/m3
Physical Description
Colorless liquid with an almond-like odor. [Note: Forms cyanide in the body.]
MW: 69.1
BP: 219°F
FRZ: -97°F
Sol: Slight
VP(130°F): 100 mmHg
IP: ?

Sp.Gr: 0.76
Fl.P: 47°F
UEL: ?
LEL: ?

Class IB Flammable Liquid: Fl.P. below 73°F and BP at or above 100°F.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities

Oxidizers, reducing agents, strong acids & bases
Measurement Methods
NIOSH 1606 (adapt)
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Personal Protection & Sanitation
(See protection)
Skin: Prevent skin contact
Eyes: Prevent eye contact
Wash skin: When contaminated
Remove: When wet (flammable)
Change: No recommendation
Provide: Eyewash, Quick drench
First Aid
(See procedures)
Eye: Irrigate immediately
Skin: Soap flush immediately
Breathing: Respiratory support
Swallow: Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH
Up to 80 ppm:
(APF = 10) Any chemical cartridge respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s)
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator
Up to 200 ppm:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode
(APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s)
Up to 400 ppm:
(APF = 50) Any chemical cartridge respirator with a full facepiece and organic vapor cartridge(s)
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister
(APF = 50) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with a tight-fitting facepiece and organic vapor cartridge(s)
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece
Up to 1000 ppm:
(APF = 2000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
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
Escape:
(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
Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
Irritation eyes, skin, nose, throat; headache, dizziness, lassitude (weakness, exhaustion), confusion, convulsions; dyspnea (breathing difficulty); abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting
Target Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system, cardiovascular system
See also: INTRODUCTION