| Chemical Properties | 3-Chloropropionitrile is a combustible, colorless liquid with an acrid odor |
| Uses | In pharmaceutical and polymer synthesis. Combines the reactivity of a nitrile and an alkyl halide. Because of the cyano group the chlorine atom is more reactive than in ordinary alkyl halides. |
| Uses | 3-Chloropropionitrile is used in pharmaceutical and polymer synthesis. |
| General Description | Colorless liquid with a characteristic acrid odor. Used in pharmaceutical and polymer synthesis. |
| Reactivity Profile | Toxic gas (hydrogen chloride) is released when the compound is heated above 266 F. When heated to decomposition, 3-Chloropropiononitrile emits very toxic fumes of chlorine- containing compounds and nitrogen oxides. Avoid heat. [EPA, 1998]. |
| Hazard | Toxic by ingestion, inhalation, and skin
contact. Combustible. |
| Health Hazard | Toxic effects are a result of systemic cyanide poisoning. (Non-Specific -- Cyanide) Few poisons are more rapidly lethal. Average oral lethal dose for hydrogen cyanide is approximately 60-90 mg (corresponds to 200 mg of potassium cyanide). Cause of death is lack of oxygen to the body's cells (especially the brain and heart) as a result of the chemical inhibiting cell enzymes. |
| Fire Hazard | Toxic gas (hydrogen chloride) is released when the compound is heated above 266F. When heated to decomposition, 3-Chloropropiononitrile emits very toxic fumes of chlorine- containing compounds and nitrogen oxides. Avoid heat. |
| Potential Exposure | This material is used in pharmaceutical manufacture and in polymer synthesis. |
| Shipping | UN3276 Nitriles, liquid, toxic, n.o.s., Hazard Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials, Technical Name Required, Potential Inhalation Hazard (Special Provision 5). |
| Incompatibilities | Contact with strong oxidizers may cause a fire and explosion hazard |
