Acetonitrile

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

Key result

Parameter:

lower explosion limit

Value:

3 vol%

Key result

Parameter:

upper explosion limit

Value:

16 vol%

Interpretation of results:

GHS criteria not met

Conclusions:

The explosive substance:air ratio of acetonitrile was reported to be in the range of 3.0 - 16.0% vol/vol

Executive summary:

The explosive substance:air ratio of acetonitrile was reported to be in the range of 3.0 - 16.0% 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). Acetonitrile 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.

Quincy (2002) published flammable limits of 3.0 % (lower limit) and 16.0 % (upper limit) for acetonitrile at room temperature.

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 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 acetonitrile was reported to be in the range of 3.0 - 16.0% vol/vol

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Flammability:

not classified

Justification for classification or non-classification

The explosive substance:air ratio of acetonitrile was reported to be in the range of 3.0 - 16.0% 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). Acetonitrile 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.