Abstract

Acrylonitrile (also called acrylic acid nitrile, propylene nitrile, vinyl cyanide, and propenoic acid nitrile) is among the top 50 chemicals produced in the United States as a result of the tremendous growth in its use as a starting material for a wide range of chemical and polymer products. Acrylic fibers remain the largest use of acrylonitrile; other significant uses are in resins and nitrile elastomers and as an intermediate in the production of adiponitrile and acrylamide. Acrylonitrile (C₃H₃N, mol wt=53.064) is an unsaturated molecule having a carbon-carbon double bond conjugated with a nitrile group. Acrylonitrile is miscible in a wide range of organic solvents, including acetone, benzene, carbon tetrachloride, diethyl ether, ethyl acetate, ethylene cyanohydrin, petroleum ether, toluene, some kerosenes, and methanol. Acrylonitrile undergoes a wide range of reactions at its two chemically active sites, the nitrile group and the carbon-carbon double bond. Acrylonitrile is transported by rail car, barge, and pipeline. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations require labeling acrylonitrile as a flammable liquid and poison. Acrylonitrile is highly toxic if ingested. It is moderately toxic if inhaled. Acrylonitrile is categorized as a cancer hazard by OSHA. Acrylonitrile will polymerize violently in the absence of oxygen if initiated by heat, light, pressure, peroxide, or strong acids and bases. It is combustible and ignites readily, producing toxic combustion products. Federal regulations (40 CFR 261) classify acrylonitrile as a hazardous waste. Uses of acrylonitrile include acrylic fiber, acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) resins, elastomers, and styrene-acrylonitrile resins (SAN).