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Diss Factsheets

Physical & Chemical properties

Flammability

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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.

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
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
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

Additional information

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.