Material Safety Data Sheet: Benzonitrile

Identification

Product Name: Benzonitrile
Chemical Formula: C₇H₅N
CAS Number: 100-47-0
Recommended Uses: Industrial solvent, chemical synthesis, pharmaceutical intermediate
Manufacturer/Supplier: Chemical processing or laboratory suppliers, contact information varies by provider
Emergency Contact: Local emergency services or national poison control
Synonyms: Phenyl cyanide, benzenecarbonitrile

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Acute Toxicity (Oral, Inhalation, Dermal) Category 4, Eye Irritation Category 2A, Skin Irritation Category 2, Specific Target Organ Toxicity (Single Exposure) Category 3
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed or inhaled, causes skin and eye irritation, may cause respiratory irritation
Pictograms: Exclamation mark
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing vapors, wear protective gloves and eye protection, wash thoroughly after handling, keep container tightly closed

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Benzonitrile
Concentration: 99% or greater (varies by purity grade supplied)
Impurities: Trace levels of related nitriles or aromatic compounds (usually below reporting thresholds)
Molecular Weight: 103.12 g/mol

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air, keep at rest, seek medical attention if symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath develop
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash affected area with plenty of soap and water, get medical attention for persistent irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, continue rinsing, seek medical attention
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel, immediately contact poison control or physician
Symptoms of Exposure: Headache, dizziness, nausea, irritation of eyes, skin, or respiratory system; in severe cases, cyanosis or central nervous system depression

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, alcohol-resistant foam, or water spray
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Direct water jet may spread fire
Specific Hazards: Produces toxic and irritating fumes like hydrogen cyanide, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide in a fire
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing
Special Procedures: Cool exposed containers with water spray, contain runoff to prevent entry into drains or water sources

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate area, isolate spill, use appropriate respiratory and skin protection
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spillage from entering drains or water sources
Methods for Clean Up: Absorb with inert material such as sand or vermiculite, gather and place in suitable disposal containers, ventilate area, wash spill site after cleanup
Reporting: Notify local authorities if large quantities are released or there is risk to the environment

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas, avoid inhalation and contact with skin or eyes, do not eat, drink, or smoke near product
General Hygiene: Wash hands and affected skin after use, keep work clothing separate from other clothing
Storage: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location, away from heat, sparks, open flames, incompatible materials like oxidizers or strong acids
Packaging: Use tightly sealed containers made of compatible materials, ensure proper labelling

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: ACGIH TLV: 2 ppm (skin absorption), OSHA PEL not established; consult most recent national regulations
Engineering Controls: Operate in fume hood or with effective local ventilation
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), splash-proof goggles or face shield, lab coat or protective suit; use respirator if vapor exposure risk is high
Monitoring: Regular air monitoring recommended in workplaces handling significant quantities

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Bitter almond-like
pH: Not applicable
Melting Point: -13°C
Boiling Point: 191°C
Flash Point: 77°C (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Not particularly rapid
Flammability: Combustible liquid
Vapor Pressure: 0.48 mmHg at 25°C
Vapor Density: 3.6 (air=1)
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, readily miscible with most organic solvents
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): 1.56
Auto-Ignition Temperature: 800°C
Decomposition Temperature: No reliable data
Viscosity: Low viscosity

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under standard storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: May react violently with strong oxidizers, acids, or alkali metals
Hazardous Polymerization: No known hazard
Decomposition Products: Produces highly toxic gases including hydrogen cyanide, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, open flames, incompatible substances, exposure to moisture over time

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: LD₅₀ (oral, rat): 640 mg/kg; inhalation and dermal exposure can be toxic
Skin Irritation: Causes irritation, possible redness or dermatitis with repeated exposure
Eye Irritation: Causes moderate irritation, redness, tearing
Sensitization: Not a known skin sensitizer
Chronic Effects: Long-term exposure may affect liver, kidneys, or central nervous system
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Mutagenicity: Not expected to be genotoxic based on animal studies
Reproductive Toxicity: No strong evidence of harm to fertility or development at typical occupational exposures
Key Symptoms: At high doses, exposure may cause CNS depression, cyanosis, breathing distress

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms; LC₅₀ (fish, 96h): 24 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Moderately persistent, biodegradation may occur but slowly
Bioaccumulation: Potential for moderate bioaccumulation (log Kow 1.56)
Mobility in Soil: Moderately mobile, leaching to groundwater is possible in loose soils
Other Adverse Effects: Possible impact on wastewater treatment; avoid uncontrolled environmental release

Disposal Considerations

Waste Handling: Collect residues and contaminated absorbents in sealed containers
Disposal Method: Incinerate in approved, properly equipped facility, following local and national guidelines
Sewage Disposal: Do not dispose of in drains or natural waterways
Contaminated Packaging: Triple rinse containers, render unusable, send to licensed facility
Regulatory Compliance: Follow hazardous waste regulations for classification, labeling, and reporting

Transport Information

UN Number: 1992
Proper Shipping Name: Flammable liquid, toxic, n.o.s. (Benzonitrile)
Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable Liquids), 6.1 (Toxic Substances)
Packing Group: II
Environmental Hazard: Marked as environmentally hazardous when transported in bulk
Special Precautions: Keep away from ignition sources, ensure secure containment, emergency placarding required

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Classified as hazardous under the Hazard Communication Standard
TSCA: Listed in the US Toxic Substances Control Act inventory
SARA 313: Subject to reporting for release under Section 313 (epCRA Tier II reporting)
REACH: Registered under REACH in the European Union
Other Global or National Regulations: Subject to chemical safety assessments per local frameworks, workplace air monitoring and safe handling recommendations; review local, state, national, and international guidelines for additional restrictions or requirements