Acrylonitrile

Flammability

Link to relevant study record(s)

Reference

Reference 1

Endpoint:

flammable gases

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

key study

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

data from handbook or collection of data

Qualifier:

no guideline required

Principles of method if other than guideline:

No information available

GLP compliance:

not specified

Specific details on test material used for the study:

Stabilised with 30-40 ppm ammonia

Key result

Parameter:

lower explosion limit

Value:

2 vol%

Key result

Parameter:

upper explosion limit

Value:

28 vol%

The explosive substance:air ratio of acrylonitrile stabilised with 30-40 ppm ammonia was reported to be in the range 2.0-28% vol/vol.

Interpretation of results:

GHS criteria not met

Conclusions:

The explosive substance:air ratio of acrylonitrile stabilised with 30-40 ppm ammonia was reported to be in the range 2.0-28% vol/vol.

Executive summary:

The explosive substance:air ratio of acrylonitrile stabilised with 30-40 ppm ammonia was reported to be in the range 2.0-28% vol/vol.

CLP defines a flammable gas as a “gas or gas mixture having a flammable range with air at 20 °C and a standard pressure of 101.3 kPa” (Annex I: 2.2.1). CLP defines a gas as “a substance which (i) at 50 °C has a vapour pressure greater than 300 kPa (absolute); or (ii) is completely gaseous at 20 °C at a standard pressure of 101.3 kPa” (Annex I: 2.5.1.1). Acrylonitrile is a liquid at 20 °C and has a vapour pressure below 300 kPa at 50 °C, therefore despite the substance forming an explosive substance:air mixture, the CLP criteria for flammable gas is not met.

Reference 2

Endpoint:

pyrophoric liquids

Data waiving:

study scientifically not necessary / other information available

Justification for data waiving:

the study does not need to be conducted because the substance is known to be stable in contact with air at room temperature for prolonged periods of time (days) and hence, the classification procedure does not need to be applied

Reference 3

Endpoint:

self-heating substances / mixtures

Data waiving:

study scientifically not necessary / other information available

Justification for data waiving:

the study does not need to be conducted because the substance is a liquid

the study does not need to be conducted because the substance is completely molten at 160°C

Reference 4

Endpoint:

substances / mixtures which in contact with water emit flammable gases

Data waiving:

study scientifically not necessary / other information available

Justification for data waiving:

the study does not need to be conducted because the organic substance does not contain metals or metalloids and hence, the classification procedure does not need to be applied

Description of key information

The explosive substance:air ratio of acrylonitrile stabilised with 30-40 ppm ammonia was reported to be in the range 2.0-28% vol/vol. CLP defines a flammable gas as a “gas or gas mixture having a flammable range with air at 20 °C and a standard pressure of 101.3 kPa” (Annex I: 2.2.1). CLP defines a gas as “a substance which (i) at 50 °C has a vapour pressure greater than 300 kPa (absolute); or (ii) is completely gaseous at 20 °C at a standard pressure of 101.3 kPa” (Annex I: 2.5.1.1). Acrylonitrile is a liquid at 20 °C and has a vapour pressure below 300 kPa at 50 °C, therefore despite the substance forming an explosive substance:air mixture, the CLP criteria for flammable gas is not met.

Substance and mixtures which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases: Not applicable as the chemical structure of the substance or mixture does not contain metals or metalloids.

Self-heating: ECHA guidance states “In general, the phenomenon of self-heating applies only to solids. The surface of liquids is not large enough for reaction with air and the test method is not applicable to liquids. Therefore liquids are not classified as self-heating. However, if liquids are adsorbed on a large surface (e.g. on powder particles), a self-heating hazard should be considered.” The substance is a simple liquid so this CLP endpoint is not applicable.

The substance is not pyrophoric - pyrophoricity is expected only for certain reactive metals and some of their compounds, which are not present. Experience in manufacture and handling shows it does not ignite spontaneously on coming into contact with air at normal temperatures.

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Flammability:

not classified