Substance profile
2-hydroxy-2-methylpropionitrile
2-hydroxy-2-methylpropionitrile is a colorless liquid with a distinct strong cyanide odor.
01 · Identification
What 2-hydroxy-2-methylpropionitril… is
2-hydroxy-2-methylpropionitrile is a colorless liquid with a distinct strong cyanide odor. Its molecular formula is C4H7NO and its molecular weight is 85.1 g/mol. It boils at 95 °C, melts at -19 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as flammable agents - 2nd degree.
Other names for 2-hydroxy-2-methylpropionitril…
- 2-cyanopropan-2-ol
- acetone cyanohydrin
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H310 | Fatal in contact with skin. |
| H330 | Fatal if inhaled. |
| H300 | Fatal if swallowed. |
| H400 | Very toxic to aquatic life. |
| H410 | Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Precautionary statements: P260, P270, P271, P273, P280, P301, P302, P304, P310, P330, P352, P391, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
2-hydroxy-2-methylpropionitril… properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 95 °C (203 °F) | HSDB | |
| Melting point | -19 °C (-2.2 °F) | HSDB | |
| -20 °C (-4 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Density | 0.93 g/cm³ | ICSC | |
| 0.9267 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Freely soluble in usual organic solvents; insoluble in petroleum ether and carbon disulfide. | HSDB | |
| Very soluble in water, ethanol and ethyl ether; soluble in acetone, benzene and chloroform | HSDB | ||
| Solubility in water: freely soluble, but decomposes in water | decomposes | ICSC | |
| Vapor pressure | 0.8 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 0.8 mmHg | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 1.1 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | 73.89 °C (165 °F) | HSDB | |
| Autoignition temperature | 687.78 °C (1270 °F) | HSDB | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 2.2 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 12 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Vapor density | 2.96 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 2.93 (air = 1) | CAMEO | ||
| Odor threshold | Odor Threshold Low: 3.0 [mg/m3] | Haz-Map | |
| Odor threshold (recognition) | Haz-Map |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling 2-hydroxy-2-methylpropionitril…
Storage conditions
Separate from acids, alkalies, oxidizing materials, and reducing agents. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Sulfuric acid, caustics [Note: Slowly decomposes to acetone & HCN at room temperatures; rate is accelerated by an increase in pH, water content, or temperature].
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
ACETONE CYANOHYDRIN readily decomposes to acetone and poisonous hydrogen cyanide gas on contact with water, acids (sulfuric acid) or when exposed to heat. Should be kept cool and slightly acidic (pH 4-5) [Sax, 2nd ed., 1965, p. 388]. Slowly dissociates to acetone, a flammable liquid, and hydrogen cyanide, a flammable poisonous gas, under normal storage and transportation conditions. Rate of dissociation increased by contact with alkalis and/or heat.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check 2-hydroxy-2-methylpropion… in the storage compatibility matrix →