| Chemical Abstract Number (CAS #) |
78977
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| Synonyms | Lactonitrile |
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Propionitrile, 2-hydroxy- | 2-Hydroxypropionitrile |
| Analytical Methods |
EPA Method 8240B |
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EPA Method 8260A |
| Molecular Formula | C3H5NO |
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| Use | SOLVENT; INTERMEDIATE IN PRODUCTION OF ETHYL ACETATE & LACTIC
ACID
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| Apparent Color | YELLOW LIQUID; STRAW-COLORED LIQ
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| Boiling Point | 102 DEG C @ 30 MM HG
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| Melting Point | -40 DEG C
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| Molecular Weight | 71.1
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| Density | 0.9877 @ 20 DEG C/4 DEG C
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| Sensitivity Data | Immediately irritating to the eye. Cyanides
CONSIDERED TO BE EXTREMELY TOXIC BY INGESTION SKIN ABSORPTION, &
EYE CONTACT.
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| Environmental Impact | If released to the atmosphere, 2-hydroxypropanenitrile is expected to exist almost
entirely in the vapor-phase where it will degrade relatively slowly (estimated half-life of 14.7 days)
via reaction with photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals. Since 2-hydroxypropanenitrile is
miscible in water, physical removal from air by wet deposition is likely to occur. If released to soil
or water, microbial degradation may be an important removal process. One screening study has
demonstrated that 2-hydroxypropanenitrile is readily biodegradable in Ohio River water.
2-Hydroxypropanenitrile is known to be unstable at high pHs; it reacts with alkali to form HCN.
However, reaction rates in alkaline soil or natural water are not available. Leaching in soil is
possible. Occupational exposure to 2-hydroxypropanenitrile can occur through inhalation of vapor
and dermal contact. There are no data available to suggest that the general population is exposed
to 2-hydroxypropanenitrile.
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| Environmental Fate | TERRESTRIAL FATE: One screening study has demonstrated that
2-hydroxypropanenitrile is readily biodegradable in Ohio River water . Based on this study,
microbial degradation in soil is likely to be an important removal mechanism. Insufficient data are
available to predict the importance of other degradation processes in soil.
2-Hydroxypropanenitrile will degrade in alkaline media yielding HCN(2,3); however, the rate of
degradation at environmental pHs is not known. 2-Hydroxypropanenitrile is miscible in water
which suggests that leaching in soil is likely to occur.
AQUATIC FATE: One screening study has demonstrated that 2-hydroxypropanenitrile is readily
biodegradable in Ohio River water . Insufficient data are available to predict the importance of
other degradation processes in water. 2-Hydroxypropanenitrile will degrade in alkaline
media(2,3); however, the rate of degradation at environmental pHs is not known. Aquatic
bioconcentration, volatilization, and adsorption to sediment are not expected to be
environmentally important.
ATMOSPHERIC FATE: Using measured vapor pressures of 17 mm Hg at 90 deg C and 30 mm
Hg at 102 deg C , the vapor pressure of 2-hydroxypropanenitrile can be extrapolated to 0.28
mm Hg at 25 deg C using the Antoine relationship. Based upon this vapor pressure,
2-hydroxypropanenitrile is expected to exist almost entirely in the vapor-phase in the ambient
atmosphere(2,SRC). It is expected to degrade in an average ambient atmosphere by reaction with
photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals with an estimated half-life of about 14.7
days(3,SRC). Physical removal via wet deposition is likely since it is very soluble in water.
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