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Acetonitrile

RTECS #
AL7700000
CAS #
75-05-8
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Updated
December 2018
Molecular Weight
41.06
Molecular Formula
C2H3N
Synonyms
Acetonitril (German, Dutch)
Acetonitrile (ACGIH:OSHA)
Cyanomethane
Cyanure de methyl (French)
Ethanenitrile
Ethyl nitrile
Methane, cyano-
Methanecarbonitrile
Methylkyanid (Czech)
NCI-C60822
RCRA waste number U003
USAF EK-488

Skin and Eye Irritation and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
eye /rabbit 100 µL/24H moderateIJTOFN 19,363,2000
skin /rabbit 500 mg open irritation test mildUCDS** 3/18/1965

Mutation Data and Reference

System TestRoute/Organism/TissueDoseReference
sex chromosome loss and nondisjunctioninhalation/Drosophila melanogaster131 ppmMUREAV 259,165,1991
sex chromosome loss and nondisjunction/Saccharomyes cerevisiae47600 ppmMUREAV 149,339,1985
sister chromatid exchangeovary/hamster5 gm/LEMMUEG 10(Suppl 10),1,1987

Reproductive Effects Data and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
inhalation/rat 1800 ppm/6H (6-20D pregnant)Reproductive: Effects on fertility: Post- implantation mortality (e.g., dead and/or resorbed implants per total number of implants)FAATDF 20,365,1993
inhalation/hamster 5000 ppm/1H (8D pregnant)Reproductive: Effects on fertility: Post- implantation mortality (e.g., dead and/or resorbed implants per total number of implants)

Reproductive: Specific developmental abnormalities: Central nervous system
TJADAB 27,313,1983
inhalation/hamster 8000 ppm/1H (8D pregnant)Reproductive: Effects on embryo or fetus: Fetotoxicity (except death, e.g., stunted fetus)

Reproductive: Specific developmental abnormalities: Musculoskeletal system
TJADAB 27,313,1983
oral/rat 2 mg/kg (10D pregnant)Reproductive: Other effects to embryo or fetusTXAPA9 163,149,2000
oral/rabbit 390 mg/kg (6-18D pregnant)Reproductive: Other effects on female

Reproductive: Effects on embryo or fetus: Fetal death

Reproductive: Specific developmental abnormalities: Musculoskeletal system
NTIS** OTS0555575
oral/hamster 300 mg/kg (8D pregnant)Reproductive: Specific developmental abnormalities: Musculoskeletal systemTJADAB 27,313,1983
oral/hamster 400 mg/kg (8D pregnant)Reproductive: Effects on fertility: Post- implantation mortality (e.g., dead and/or resorbed implants per total number of implants)TJADAB 27,313,1983

Tumorigenic Data and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 400 ppm/6H/2Y- intermittentTumorigenic: Equivocal tumorigenic agent by RTECS criteria

Liver: Tumors
NTPTR* NTP-TR-447,1996

Acute Toxicity Data and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
In Vitro/Human, liver tumor Inhibitor Concentration (50 percent kill): 494 mmol/L/24HIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell protein synthesisTIVIEQ 3,189,1989
In Vitro/Human, liver tumor Inhibitor Concentration (50 percent kill): 74200 mg/LIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell viability (dye exclusion): trypan blue assay etc.TIVIEQ 27,1347,2013
In Vitro/Human, skin Inhibitor Concentration (50 percent kill): 8470 mg/L/48HIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell viability (lysosomal damage): neutral red assay etc.TIVIEQ 27,1347,2013
In Vitro/Mouse, fibroblast Inhibitor Concentration (50 percent kill): 7240 mg/L/48HIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell viability (lysosomal damage): neutral red assay etc.TIVIEQ 27,1347,2013
In Vitro/Mouse, fibroblast Inhibitor Concentration (50 percent kill): 26400 mg/L/24HIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell viability (mitochondrial reductase assays): MTT, XTT, MTS, WSTs assays etc.TIVIEQ 27,1347,2013
In Vitro/paaInhibitor Concentration Low: 62.2 mmol/L/44HIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Other assaysTIVIEQ 27,1416,2013
In Vitro/Rat, liver Inhibitor Concentration (50 percent kill): 1967 mg/L/20HIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell membrane integrity: Cytoplasmic enzymes leakage (lactate dehydrogenase, ATP enzymes etc.)TIVIEQ 5,543,1991
In Vitro/Rat, liver Inhibitor Concentration (50 percent kill): 1967 mg/L/20HIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell viability (mitochondrial reductase assays): MTT, XTT, MTS, WSTs assays etc.TIVIEQ 5,543,1991
In Vitro/Rat, liver Inhibitor Concentration (50 percent kill): 2124 mg/L/20HIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell protein synthesisTIVIEQ 5,543,1991
In Vitro/Rat, liver Inhibitor Concentration (50 percent kill): 1888 mg/L/20HIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell viability (lysosomal damage): neutral red assay etc.TIVIEQ 5,543,1991
In Vitro/Rat, liver tumor Inhibitor Concentration (50 percent kill): 3567 mg/L/20HIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell membrane integrity: Cytoplasmic enzymes leakage (lactate dehydrogenase, ATP enzymes etc.)TIVIEQ 5,543,1991
In Vitro/Rat, liver tumor Inhibitor Concentration (50 percent kill): 3690 mg/L/20HIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell viability (mitochondrial reductase assays): MTT, XTT, MTS, WSTs assays etc.TIVIEQ 5,543,1991
In Vitro/Rat, liver tumor Inhibitor Concentration (50 percent kill): 3772 mg/L/20HIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell protein synthesisTIVIEQ 5,543,1991
In Vitro/Rat, liver tumor Inhibitor Concentration (50 percent kill): 3567 mg/L/20HIn Vitro Toxicity Studies: Cell viability (lysosomal damage): neutral red assay etc.TIVIEQ 5,543,1991
inhalation/cat lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 18 gm/m385GMAT -,16,1982
inhalation/Dog Lowest published lethal concentration: 16000 ppm/4HJOCMA7 1,634,1959
inhalation/guinea pig lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 5655 ppm/4HBehavioral: Altered sleep time (including change in righting reflex)

Behavioral: Convulsions or effect on seizure threshold

Blood: Hemorrhage
JOCMA7 1,634,1959
inhalation/human lowest published toxic concentration: 160 ppm/4HLung, Thorax, or Respiration: Other changes34ZIAG -,65,1969
inhalation/mouse lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 2693 ppm/1HLiver: Other changesCTOXAO 18,991,1981
inhalation/rabbit lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 2828 ppm/4HBehavioral: Altered sleep time (including change in righting reflex)

Behavioral: Convulsions or effect on seizure threshold

Blood: Hemorrhage
JOCMA7 1,634,1959
inhalation/rat lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 7551 ppm/8HBehavioral: Altered sleep time (including change in righting reflex)

Behavioral: Convulsions or effect on seizure threshold

Blood: Hemorrhage
JOCMA7 1,634,1959
inhalation/rat lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 17100 ppm/4HLung, Thorax, or Respiration: DyspneaHALRE* 10/1/1968
inhalation/rat lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 7500 ppmENTOX* -,28,2005
intraperitoneal/mouse lethal dose (50 percent kill): 175 mg/kgEye: Corneal damage

Behavioral: Ataxia

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Dyspnea
TXAPA9 59,589,1981
intraperitoneal/rat lethal dose (50 percent kill): 850 mg/kgJOCMA7 1,634,1959
intraperitoneal/rat lethal dose (50 percent kill): 2388.1 mg/kg/24HBehavioral: Convulsions or effect on seizure threshold

Behavioral: Muscle weakness

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Respiratory depression
FCTOD7 59,595,2013
intravenous/mouse lethal dose (50 percent kill): 612 mg/kg85GMAT -,16,1982
intravenous/rat lethal dose (50 percent kill): 1680 mg/kgJOCMA7 1,634,1959
oral/cat lethal dose (50 percent kill): 200 mg/kgZAARAM 19,225,1969
oral/child lowest published toxic dose: 800 mg/kgBehavioral: Hallucinations, distorted perceptions

Behavioral: Convulsions or effect on seizure threshold

Gastrointestinal: Nausea or vomiting
AJEMEN 9,268,1991
oral/guinea pig lethal dose (50 percent kill): 177 mg/kgJOCMA7 1,634,1959
oral/mammal (species unspecified) lethal dose (50 percent kill): 1670 mg/kgGISAAA 39(4),86,1974
oral/man lowest published toxic dose: 571 mg/kgBehavioral: Convulsions or effect on seizure threshold

Gastrointestinal: Nausea or vomiting

Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Changes in: Metabolic acidosis
APTSAI 41,340,1977
oral/man lowest published toxic dose: 64 mg/kgBehavioral: ExcitementJTCTDW 29,447,1991
oral/mouse lethal dose (50 percent kill): 269 mg/kgARTODN 55,47,1984
oral/rabbit lethal dose (50 percent kill): 50 mg/kgZAARAM 19,225,1969
oral/rat lethal dose (50 percent kill): 2460 mg/kgUCDS** 3/18/1965
oral/rat lethal dose (50 percent kill): 4891 mg/kgBehavioral: Convulsions or effect on seizure threshold

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Respiratory depression
FCTOD7 47,2314,2009
oral/rat lethal dose (50 percent kill): >5000 mg/kg/24HBehavioral: Convulsions or effect on seizure threshold

Behavioral: Muscle weakness

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Respiratory depression
FCTOD7 59,595,2013
oral/woman lowest published toxic dose: 500 mg/kgBehavioral: Coma

Cardiac: Pulse rate increased without fall in BP

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Respiratory depression
PGMJAO 73,299,1997
parenteral/rat lethal dose (50 percent kill): 1100 mg/kg85GMAT -,16,1982
skin/rabbit lethal dose (50 percent kill): 980 mg/kgENTOX* -,28,2005
subcutaneous/frog lowest published lethal dose: 9100 mg/kgPeripheral Nerve and Sensation: Spastic paralysis with/without sensory change

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Dyspnea
AIPTAK 5,161,1899
subcutaneous/mouse lethal dose (50 percent kill): 4480 mg/kg85GMAT -,16,1982
subcutaneous/rabbit lowest published lethal dose: 105 mg/kgAIPTAK 36,455,1929
subcutaneous/rat lethal dose (50 percent kill): 1900 mg/kgEKFAE9 62,48,1999
subcutaneous/rat lowest published toxic dose: 1520 mg/kgImmunological Including Allergic: Decrease in cellular immune response

Immunological Including Allergic: Decrease in humoral immune response
EKFAE9 62,48,1999
subcutaneous/rat lethal dose (50 percent kill): >5000 mg/kg/24HBehavioral: Convulsions or effect on seizure threshold

Behavioral: Muscle weakness

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Respiratory depression
FCTOD7 59,595,2013

Other Multiple Dose Data and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
inhalation/Dog lowest published toxic concentration: 350 ppm/7H/91D- intermittentNutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gainJOCMA7 1,634,1959
inhalation/monkey lowest published toxic concentration: 350 ppm/7H/91D- intermittentBrain and Coverings: Changes in circulation

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Emphysema

Blood: Changes in erythrocyte (RBC) count
JOCMA7 1,634,1959
inhalation/mouse lowest published toxic concentration: 800 ppm/6H/13W- intermittentBehavioral: Somnolence (general depressed activity)

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Chronic pulmonary edema or congestion

Related to Chronic Data: Death in the "MULTIPLE DOSE" data type field
NTIS** OTS0535664
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 1200 ppm/14D- intermittentRelated to Chronic Data: Death in the "MULTIPLE DOSE" data type fieldNTIS** #DE94-008272
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 655 ppm/7H/90D- intermittentLung, Thorax, or Respiration: Chronic pulmonary edema or congestion

Liver: Other changes

Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Changes in tubules (including acute renal failure, acute tubular necrosis)
JOCMA7 1,634,1959
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 800 ppm/6H/13W- intermittentBehavioral: Somnolence (general depressed activity)

Behavioral: Ataxia

Related to Chronic Data: Death in the "MULTIPLE DOSE" data type field
NTIS** OTS0535664

Reviews

OrganizationStandardReference
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)Threshold Limit Value-time-weighted average 20 ppm (skin)DTLVS* TLV/BEI,2013
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)Threshold Limit Value-Not classifiable as a human carcinogenDTLVS* TLV/BEI,2013
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWSAIGBL 33,463,1991
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWTOLED5 134,3,2002
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 543,201,2003
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWENTOX* -,28,2005
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWREPTED 25,192,2008
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWHUTOX* -,683,1996
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWHUTOX* -,577,1996
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWNTAPM* -,629,1995
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 721,27,2011
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUREAV 802,1,2016
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUTAEX 31,347,2016
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWMUTAEX 32,491,2017
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWRTOPDW 58,395,2010

Standards and Regulations

OrganizationStandardReference
Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) STANDARD-airtime-weighted average 40 ppm (70 mg/m3)DTLVS* 3,3,1971
Occupational Exposure Limit IN ARGENTINA, BULGARIA, COLOMBIA, JORDAN check ACGIH TLV;
Occupational Exposure Limit IN SINGAPORE, VIETNAM check ACGIH TLV
Occupational Exposure Limit-ARAB Republic of Egypttime-weighted average 40 ppm (70 mg/m3), Skin, JAN1993
Occupational Exposure Limit-AUSTRALIAtime-weighted average 40 ppm (67 mg/m3), short term exposure limit 60 ppm (101 mg/m3), JUL2008
Occupational Exposure Limit-AUSTRIAMAK-TMW 40 ppm (70 mg/m3);KZW 160 ppm (280 mg/m3), skin, 2007
Occupational Exposure Limit-BELGIUMtime-weighted average 20 ppm (34 mg/m3), Skin, MAR2002
Occupational Exposure Limit-DENMARKtime-weighted average 40 ppm (70 mg/m3), skin, MAY2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-ECtime-weighted average 70 mg/m3 (40 ppm), skin, FEB2006
Occupational Exposure Limit-FINLANDtime-weighted average 20 ppm (34 mg/m3), short term exposure limit 40 ppm (68 mg/m3), skin, NOV2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-FRANCEVME 40 ppm (70 mg/m3), Skin, FEB2006
Occupational Exposure Limit-GERMANYMAK 20 ppm (34 mg/m3), skin, 2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-HUNGARYtime-weighted average 70 mg/m3, short term exposure limit 280 mg/m3, Skin, SEP2000
Occupational Exposure Limit-ICELANDtime-weighted average 40 ppm (70 mg/m3), skin, NOV2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-KOREAtime-weighted average 40 ppm (70 mg/m3), short term exposure limit 60 ppm (105 mg/m3), skin, 2006
Occupational Exposure Limit-MEXICOtime-weighted average 40 ppm (70 mg/m3);short term exposure limit 60 ppm (105 mg/m3), 2004
Occupational Exposure Limit-NEW ZEALANDtime-weighted average 40 ppm (67 mg/m3); short term exposure limit 60 ppm (101 mg/m3), skin, JAN2002
Occupational Exposure Limit-NORWAYtime-weighted average 30 ppm (50 mg/m3), JAN1999
Occupational Exposure Limit-PERUtime-weighted average 20 ppm (34 mg/m3), JUL2005
Occupational Exposure Limit-POLANDtime-weighted average 70 mg/m3, short term exposure limit 140 mg/m3, JAN1999
Occupational Exposure Limit-RUSSIAshort term exposure limit 10 mg/m3, JUN2003
Occupational Exposure Limit-SWEDENtime-weighted average 30 ppm (50 mg/m3);short term exposure limit 60 ppm (100 mg/m3), JUN2005
Occupational Exposure Limit-SWITZERLANDMAK-week 20 ppm (34 mg/m3), KZG-week 40 ppm (68 mg/m3), skin, JAN2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-THE NETHERLANDSMAC-TGG 70 mg/m3, 2003
Occupational Exposure Limit-THE PHILIPPINEStime-weighted average 40 ppm (70 mg/m3), JAN1993
Occupational Exposure Limit-TURKEYtime-weighted average 40 ppm (70 mg/m3), JAN1993
Occupational Exposure Limit-UNITED KINGDOMtime-weighted average 40 ppm (68 mg/m3);short term exposure limit 60 ppm, OCT2007
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (Construction)8H time-weighted average 40 ppm (70 mg/m3)CFRGBR 29,1926.55,1994
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (Federal Contractors)8H time-weighted average 40 ppm (70 mg/m3)CFRGBR 41,50-204.50,1994
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (General Industry)8H time-weighted average 40 ppm (70 mg/m3)CFRGBR 29,1910.1000,1994
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (Shipyards)8H time-weighted average 40 ppm (70 mg/m3)CFRGBR 29,1915.1000,1993

NIOSH Documentation and Surveillance

OrganizationStandardReference
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Recommended Exposure Level TO ACETONITRILE-air10H time-weighted average 20 ppmNIOSH* DHHS #92-100,1992
National Occupational Exposure Survey 1983Hazard Code 02900; Number of Industries 19; Total Number of Facilities 1172; Number of Occupations 27; Total Number of Employees Exposed 31341; Total Number of Female Employees Exposed 7975
National Occupational Hazard Survey 1974Hazard Code 02900; Number of Industries 9; Total Number of Facilities 302; Number of Occupations 25; Total Number of Employees Exposed 28201

Status in Federal Agencies

OrganizationReference
EPA TSCA 8(a) PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT INFORMATION, FINAL RULEFEREAC 47,26992,82
EPA TSCA Section 8(b) CHEMICAL INVENTORY
EPA TSCA Section 8(d) unpublished health/safety studies
EPA TSCA TEST SUBMISSION (TSCATS) DATA BASE, JANUARY 2001
NIOSH Analytical Method, 1994: Acetonitrile, 1606
NTP Carcinogenesis studies (inhalation);equivocal evidence:rat NTPTR* NTP-TR-447,1996
NTP Carcinogenesis studies (inhalation);no evidence:mouse NTPTR* NTP-TR-447,1996
On EPA IRIS database
Page last reviewed: November 16, 2018