Lactonitrile

Description

Lactonitrile is a colorless to straw-coloredliquid. Molecular weight= 71.09; Boiling point= 183℃(slight decomposition); FreezingMelting point= - 40℃;Flash point= 77℃. Hazard Identification (based on NFPA-704M Rating System): Health 3， Flammability 2,Reactivity 0. Soluble in water.

Chemical properties

Lactonitrile, is soluble in water and alcohol, but insoluble in diethyl ether and carbon disulfide. Lactonitrile is used chiefly to manufacture lactic acid and its derivatives, primarily ethyl lactate.

The Uses of Lactonitrile

It is used primarily as a solvent, and as an intermediate in production of ethyl acetate and lactic acid.

The Uses of Lactonitrile

2-Hydroxypropanenitrile is a useful compound for efficient lactamide synthesis by fed batch method using nitrile hydratase of Rhodococcus pyridinivorans NIT-36.

Production Methods

Lactonitrile is derived from acetaldehyde and hydrocyanic acid.

Production Methods

Lactonitrile is manufactured from equimolar amounts of acetaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide containing 1.5% of 20% NaOH at ?10–20 °C. The product is stabilized with sulfuric acid. Sulfuric acid hydrolyzes the nitrile to give a mixture of lactic acid and ammonium bisulfate. This mixture can be purified by adding methanol to form methyl lactate which is separated from the ammonium bisulfate. The methyl lactate is distilled, then hydrolyzed back to the aqueous acid. Removal of most of the water yields 90% lactic acid.

General Description

Straw colored liquid. Used as a solvent /intermediate in production of ethyl lactate and lactic acid.

Air & Water Reactions

Water soluble.

Reactivity Profile

Lactonitrile is incompatible with strong acids, strong bases and strong reducing agents. Lactonitrile is also incompatible with strong oxidizers. In the presence of alkali, Lactonitrile evolves toxic compounds. .

Health Hazard

Extremely toxic by oral, skin, or eye contact.

Fire Hazard

Cyanide fumes released when heated to decomposition. Avoid alkali, oxidizing material.

Potential Exposure

This material is used as a solvent andas an intermediate in the production of ethyl lactate and lac-tic acid.

First aid

If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove anycontact lenses at once and irmigate immediately for at least15 min, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek med-ical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts theskin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediatelywith soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. Ifthis chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,begin rescue breathing (using universal prec autions, includ-ing resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR ifheart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medicalfacility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medi-cal attention. GiveI large quantities of water and inducevomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit.

Storage

Color Code-B lue: Health Hazard/Poison: Storein a secure poison location.Prior to working with this chemical you should be trained on its proper handling andstorage. Store in tighty closed containers in a cool, well-venti lated area away from oxidizers and alkalis. Store in arefrigerator under an inert atmosphere and protect fromlight for prolonged storage. Where possible, automaticallypump liquid from drums or other storage containers to pro-cess cont ainers.

Shipping

Nitriles,toxic,n.o.s.mustbelabeled“POISONOUS/TOXIC MATERIALS." This chemical fallsin Hazard Class 6.1.

Incompatibilities

Alkalis form hydrogen cyanide. Violentreaction with strong oxidizers.