Substance profile
Malononitrile
Malononitrile is a colorless solid.
01 · Identification
What Malononitrile is
Malononitrile is a colorless solid. Its molecular formula is C3H2N2 and its molecular weight is 66.06 g/mol. It boils at 219 °C, melts at 32 °C, is soluble in water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as reactive 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. |
| 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
Malononitrile 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 | 218.89 °C (426 °F) | NIOSH | |
| 220 °C (428 °F) | at 760 mmHg | DOE PAC | |
| 218.5 °C (425.3 °F) | range, midpoint shown, at 760 mmHg | HSDB | |
| Melting point | 32 °C (89.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| 32.22 °C (90 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Density | 1.19 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 1.191 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | SOL IN ACETIC ACID, CHLOROFORM | HSDB | |
| Soluble in acetone and benzene | HSDB | ||
| In water, 1.33X10+5 mg/l @ 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 0.2 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB |
| 0.2025 mmHg | at 25 °C | ICSC | |
| 11 mmHg | at 99 °C | DOE PAC | |
| Flash point | 130 °C (266 °F) | HSDB | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | May spontaneously explode when stored at 70-80 °C. | HSDB | |
| Combustible Solid | NIOSH | ||
| Vapor density | 2.3 (air = 1) | ICSC |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Malononitrile
Incompatible materials
Strong bases [Note: May polymerize violently on prolonged heating at 265 degrees F, or in contact with strong bases at lower temperatures].
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
MALONONITRILE is a white, low-melting powder (m. p. 30.5 °C), toxic, combustible. Violent polymerization on contact with strong bases (sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide) or when heated above 130 °C. When stored at 70-80 °C for 2 months, spontaneous explosion (decomposition) occurred [Bretherick, 5th ed., 1995, p. 394].
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Malononitrile in the storage compatibility matrix →