nanchangAzodiisobutyronitrile CAS 78-67-1
Azodiisobutyronitrile CAS 78-67-1
UN/NA 3234
Azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) is an azo-compound and is widely used as a free radical initiator. This compound has labile carbon-nitrogen covalent bond which undergoes homolytic scission under thermal, chemical or photochemical conditions producing free radicals. They are useful in many reactions like halogenation, polymerisation of vinyl monomers, grafting reactions, curing of rubbers and unsaturated polymers and cross-linking of polyolefins.
2,2'-Azobis(isobutyronitrile), or AIBN, is a commonly used initiator for free-radical reactions, including many polymerizations. Its preparation was first reported by Thiele and Heuser in 1896, and it has been used in polymerization since at least the 1940s. Its downsides are high toxicity (it decomposes to HCN in vivo), flammability, and the explosivity of its acetone solutions.
Azodiisobutyronitrile General Description
Insoluble in water and denser than water. Moderately toxic by ingestion. Readily ignited by sparks or flames. Burns intensely and persistently. Toxic oxides of nitrogen produced during combustion. Used as a catalyst, in vinyl polymerizations and a blowing agent for plastics.
Azodiisobutyronitrile
Azodiisobutyronitrile Hazards
AzodiisobutyronitrileReactivity Alerts
Explosive
Azodiisobutyronitrile Air & Water Reactions
Dust may form an explosive mixture in air. Insoluble in water.
Fire Hazard
Excerpt from ERG Guide 150 [Substances (Self-Reactive / Temperature Controlled)]:
Self-decomposition, self-polymerization, or self-ignition may be triggered by heat, chemical reaction, friction or impact. Self-accelerating decomposition may occur if the specific "control temperature" is not maintained. These materials are particularly sensitive to temperature rises. Above a given "Control Temperature" they may decompose or polymerize violently and catch fire. May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Some may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire. May burn violently. Decomposition or polymerization may be self-accelerating and produce large amounts of gases. Vapors or dust may form explosive mixtures with air. (ERG, 2024)
Health Hazard
Excerpt from ERG Guide 150 [Substances (Self-Reactive / Temperature Controlled)]:
Inhalation or contact with vapors, substance or decomposition products may cause severe injury or death. May produce irritating, toxic and/or corrosive gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination. (ERG, 2024)
Reactivity Profile
Self-decomposition or self-ignition may be triggered by heat, chemical reaction, friction or impact. Self-accelerating decomposition may occur if the specific control temperature is not maintained. These materials are particularly sensitive to temperature rises. AZODIISOBUTYRONITRILE is an azo compound. Azo, diazo, azido compounds can detonate. This applies in particular to organic azides that have been sensitized by the addition of metal salts or strong acids. Toxic gases are formed by mixing materials of this class with acids, aldehydes, amides, carbamates, cyanides, inorganic fluorides, halogenated organics, isocyanates, ketones, metals, nitrides, peroxides, phenols, epoxides, acyl halides, and strong oxidizing or reducing agents. Flammable gases are formed by mixing materials in this group with alkali metals. Explosive combination can occur with strong oxidizing agents, metal salts, peroxides, and sulfides.
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
Azo, Diazo, Azido, Hydrazine, and Azide Compounds
Nitriles
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents
No information available.
DuPont Tychem? Suit Fabrics
No information available.
First Aid
Excerpt from ERG Guide 150 [Substances (Self-Reactive / Temperature Controlled)]:
Refer to the "General First Aid" section. (ERG, 2024)
Response Recommendations
What is this information?
Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from ERG Guide 150 [Substances (Self-Reactive / Temperature Controlled)]:
IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.
LARGE SPILL: Consider initial evacuation for at least 250 meters (800 feet) in all directions.
FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
Firefighting
Excerpt from ERG Guide 150 [Substances (Self-Reactive / Temperature Controlled)]:
The temperature of the substance must be maintained at or below the "Control Temperature" at all times.
SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2, water spray or regular foam.
LARGE FIRE: Flood fire area with water from a distance. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.
FIRE INVOLVING TANKS, RAIL TANK CARS OR HIGHWAY TANKS: BEWARE OF POSSIBLE CONTAINER EXPLOSION. Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. (ERG, 2024)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from ERG Guide 150 [Substances (Self-Reactive / Temperature Controlled)]:
DO NOT allow the substance to warm up. Use a coolant agent such as dry ice or ice (wear thermal protective gloves). If this is not possible or none can be obtained, evacuate the area immediately. ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. Do not touch