Malononitrile

Synonyms & Trade Names

Cyanoacetonitrile, Dicyanomethane, Malonic dinitrile

Physical Description

White powder or colorless crystals. [Note: Melts above 90°F. Forms cyanide in the body.]

Incompatibilities & Reactivities

Strong bases [Note: May polymerize violently on prolonged heating at 265°F, or in contact with strong bases at lower temperatures.]

Symptoms

irritation eyes, skin, nose, throat; headache, dizziness, lassitude (weakness, exhaustion), confusion, convulsions; dyspnea (breathing difficulty); abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting

Respirator Recommendations

NIOSH

Up to 80 mg/m³:
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator

Up to 200 mg/m³:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode

Up to 400 mg/m³:
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece

Up to 667 mg/m³:
(APF = 2000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode

Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus

Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus

Important additional information about respirator selection