Substance profile
Chloroacetonitrile
Chloroacetonitrile is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor.
01 · Identification
What Chloroacetonitrile is
Chloroacetonitrile is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor. Its molecular formula is C2H2ClN and its molecular weight is 75.5 g/mol. It boils at 127 °C, is soluble in water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as flammable agents - 2nd degree.
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 |
|---|---|
| H331 | Toxic if inhaled. |
| H311 | Toxic in contact with skin. |
| H301 | Toxic if swallowed. |
| H411 | 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
Chloroacetonitrile 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 | 126.5 °C (259.7 °F) | HSDB | |
| 126 °C (258.8 °F) | ICSC | ||
| 126.5 °C (259.7 °F) | at 760 mmHg | DOE PAC | |
| Density | 1.19 g/cm³ | ICSC | |
| 1.193 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Soluble in hydrocarbons, alcohols | HSDB | |
| In ether and ethanol | HSDB | ||
| In water, > 1X10+5 mg/L, temperature not specified | HSDB | ||
| Vapor pressure | 8 mmHg | at 20 °C | HSDB |
| 8.7007 mmHg | at 20 °C | ICSC | |
| 15 mmHg | at 30 °C | DOE PAC | |
| Flash point | 47.78 °C (118 °F) | CAMEO | |
| 47 °C (116.6 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | Combustible liquid. | HSDB | |
| Explosive limits , vol% in air: 1.0-? | ICSC | ||
| Vapor density | 2.61 (air = 1) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Chloroacetonitrile
Storage conditions
Store in a cool, dry well-ventilated location. Separate from acids, alkalies, oxidizing materials, and reducing agents. Outside or detached storage preferred.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Incompatible with strong oxidizers such as acids, acid salts, chlorates and nitrates. /Cyanides/
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
CHLOROACETONITRILE reacts with water, steam, strong acids or acid fumes to produce toxic vapors of hydrogen chloride. When heated to decomposition, it emits highly toxic fumes of hydrogen cyanide and hydrogen chloride [Sax, 2nd ed., 1963, p. 600].
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Chloroacetonitrile in the storage compatibility matrix →