3-Hydroxypropionitrile

Description

3-Hydroxypropionitrile · CAS 109-78-4 · C3H5NO. UNII 7V8108WN46. Boiling Point: 221 °C; Melting Point: -51 °F (NTP, 1992); Melting Point: -46 °C.

Identification

CAS Registry Number	109-78-4
PubChem CID	8011
Molecular formula	C3H5NO
IUPAC name	3-hydroxypropanenitrile
UNII (FDA)	7V8108WN46

Computed Descriptors

Molecular Weight	71.08
XLogP3	-0.9
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count	1
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count	2
Rotatable Bond Count	1
Exact Mass	71.037113783
Monoisotopic Mass	71.037113783
Topological Polar Surface Area	44
Heavy Atom Count	5
Formal Charge	0

Physical & Chemical Properties

Boiling Point	221 °C
Melting Point	-51 °F (NTP, 1992)
Melting Point	-46 °C
Flash Point	265 °F (129 °C) (Open cup)
Flash Point	129 °C o.c.
Solubility	In water, 1X10+6 mg/l @ 20 °C
Density	1.0404 @ 25 °C
Vapor Density	2.45 (AIR= 1)
Vapor Pressure	0.08 [mmHg]
Vapor Pressure	0.08 MM HG @ 25 °C

Physical description & handling notes

• Ethylene cyanohydrin is a colorless to yellow-brown liquid with a weak odor. Sinks and mixes with water. (USCG, 1999)
• Straw-colored liquid; [Hawley] Colorless to yellow-brown liquid; [CAMEO]
• COLOURLESS-TO-YELLOW LIQUID.
• WATER-WHITE LIQUID
• Straw-colored liquid
• 442 °F at 760 mmHg (slight decomposition) (NTP, 1992)

Regulatory Status

Regulatory & Food Contact	FDA Inventory of Food Contact Substances Listed in 21 CFR: FCS
GHS notification summary	75.4% (144 / 191)

GHS Hazard Classification

GHS notification summary	75.4% (144 / 191)
Reported hazard statements	H315 (24.6%), H319 (24.6%), H335 (24.1%)

Documented Uses

• Used as a solvent for cellulose acetate and ethylcellulose, in organic synthesis, and to stimulate sprouting in potatoes; [Hawley]
• Solvent for certain cellulose esters and inorganic salts; organic intermediate for acrylates.
• /It is/ prepared by interaction of ethylene chlorohydrin and alkali cyanide.
• Obtained by reacting ethylene oxide with hydrogen cyanide or from hydratin of acrylonitrile.
• Propanenitrile, 3-hydroxy-: ACTIVE
• It was used as feedstock in the production of acrylic acid and acrylates.

Synonyms

Hydracrylonitrile; RefChem:139128; 3-Hydroxypropionitrile; 109-78-4; 3-Hydroxypropanenitrile; ETHYLENE CYANOHYDRIN; 2-Cyanoethanol; Propanenitrile, 3-hydroxy-; Glycol cyanohydrin; 2-Cyanoethyl alcohol; beta-Hpn; beta-Cyanoethanol; Methanolacetonitrile; Hydroxypropanenitrile; 2-Hydroxycyanoethane; USAF RH-7

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the CAS number and molecular formula of 3-Hydroxypropionitrile?

CAS 109-78-4; molecular formula C3H5NO; molecular weight — g/mol.

What other names is 3-Hydroxypropionitrile known by?

Hydracrylonitrile, RefChem:139128, 3-Hydroxypropionitrile, 109-78-4, 3-Hydroxypropanenitrile, ETHYLENE CYANOHYDRIN.

What is the regulatory status of 3-Hydroxypropionitrile?

Documented regulatory listings: FDA Inventory of Food Contact Substances Listed in 21 CFR: FCS.

Is 3-Hydroxypropionitrile classified as hazardous?

75.4% of GHS notifications report no hazard classification (144 of 191).

What are the key physical properties of 3-Hydroxypropionitrile?

Boiling Point: 221 °C; Melting Point: -51 °F (NTP, 1992); Melting Point: -46 °C; Flash Point: 265 °F (129 °C) (Open cup).

Facts on this page are taken from PubChem (US National Library of Medicine) and Wikidata. Grade-specific data — assay, moisture, particle size, packaging, shelf life — is issued per batch on the COA and is not published here.