Substance profile
Trichloroacetonitrile
Trichloroacetonitrile is a colorless liquid.
01 · Identification
What Trichloroacetonitrile is
Trichloroacetonitrile is a colorless liquid. Its molecular formula is C2Cl3N and its molecular weight is 144.38 g/mol. It boils at 85.7 °C, melts at -42 °C, is practically insoluble in water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger.
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
Trichloroacetonitrile 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 | 85.7 °C (186.3 °F) | HSDB | |
| 83.33 °C (182 °F) | range, midpoint shown, at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -42 °C (-43.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| -42.22 °C (-44 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 1.4403 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | HSDB |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water | HSDB | |
| less than 1 mg/mL at 70.7 °F (NTP, 1992) | at 21.5 °C | CAMEO | |
| Vapor pressure | 74.1 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB |
| 74.1 mmHg | Haz-Map | ||
| Flash point | 195 °C (383 °F) | closed cup | HSDB |
| 74.17 °C (165.5 °F) | CAMEO |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Trichloroacetonitrile
Storage conditions
Keep tightly closed.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
May be sensitive to light and heat. This compound may react with water, steam, acid or acid fumes. It may hydrolyze under acidic or alkaline conditions. (NTP, 1992). The reaction of benzene and trichloroacetonitrile evolves toxic chloroform and HCl gases. (Hagedorn, F., H.-P. Gelbke, and Federal Republic of Germany. 2002. Nitriles. In Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.).
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Trichloroacetonitrile in the storage compatibility matrix →