NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

Glycolonitrile CAS 107-16-4
HOCH2CN RTECS AM0350000
Synonyms & Trade Names
Cyanomethanol, Formaldehyde cyanohydrin, Glycolic nitrile, Glyconitrile, Hydroxyacetonitrile
DOT ID & Guide
Exposure
Limits
NIOSH REL: C 2 ppm (5 mg/m3) [15-minute]
OSHA PEL: none
IDLH N.D. Conversion 1 ppm = 2.34 mg/m3
Physical Description
Colorless, odorless, oily liquid. [Note: Forms cyanide in the body.]
MW: 57.1
BP: 361°F (Decomposes)
FRZ: <-98°F
Sol: Soluble
VP(145°F): 1 mmHg
IP: ?

Sp.Gr(66°F): 1.10
Fl.P: ?
UEL: ?
LEL: ?

Combustible Liquid
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Traces of alkalis (promote violent polymerization)
Measurement Methods
None available
Personal Protection & Sanitation
Skin: Prevent skin contact
Eyes: Prevent eye contact
Wash skin: When contaminated
Remove: When wet or contaminated
Change: Daily
Provide: Eyewash, Quick drench
First Aid (See procedures)
Eye: Irrigate immediately
Skin: Water wash immediately
Breathing: Respiratory support
Swallow: Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations NIOSH
Up to 20 ppm: (APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator
Up to 50 ppm: (APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode
Up to 100 ppm: (APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece/(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece
Up to 250 ppm: (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
Exposure Routes inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms Irritation eyes, skin, respiratory system; headache, dizziness, lassitude (weakness, exhaustion), confusion, convulsions; dyspnea (breathing difficulty); abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting
Target Organs Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system, cardiovascular system
See also: INTRODUCTION