Acrylonitrile CAS 107-13-1
Chelora Chemicals supplies inhibitor-stabilised acrylonitrile to acrylic fibre, ABS, nitrile rubber and carbon fibre producers worldwide. Because acrylonitrile is acutely toxic, carcinogenic and polymerises exothermically, every consignment leaves with a batch-specific COA, the current SDS and full dangerous-goods documentation.
Also known as: ACN · AN · Vinyl cyanide · Propenenitrile · 2-Propenenitrile · Cyanoethylene
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Price, lead time and a sample COA for Acrylonitrile, usually within one working day. We ship worldwide.
Request a Quote Email the DeskDocumentation
- Batch-specific COA (purity, inhibitor, water, peroxide)
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
- Transport and dangerous-goods documents
- Third-party inspection on request
- Certificate of origin
What is Acrylonitrile?
Acrylonitrile is a vinyl nitrile, C₃H₃N, a clear flammable liquid boiling at 77 °C with a faint pungent odour. It combines a polymerisable vinyl group with a nitrile function that gives polymers polarity and solvent resistance.
It is made by ammoxidation of propylene — propylene, ammonia and air over a bismuth molybdate catalyst — in the Sohio process, with hydrogen cyanide and acetonitrile as co-products.
Acrylic fibre is the largest outlet, including the precursor for carbon fibre. ABS resin, nitrile rubber, acrylamide and adiponitrile take the rest.
Acrylonitrile is acutely toxic, a Category 1B carcinogen, and releases cyanide on metabolism. Handling it demands the same discipline as a cyanide-releasing substance, not just a flammable monomer.
Why Acrylonitrile specifically
- A polar vinyl monomer. The nitrile group gives polymers solvent resistance, strength and dyeability.
- The carbon fibre precursor. Polyacrylonitrile is the dominant route to high-performance carbon fibre.
- A toughening comonomer. In ABS and SAN it provides chemical resistance and rigidity.
- Nitrile rubber chemistry. Copolymerised with butadiene for oil-resistant seals and gloves.
How Acrylonitrile is Manufactured
Acrylonitrile is made by propylene ammoxidation, a single-step process that also produces hydrogen cyanide and acetonitrile.
- Propylene, ammonia and air feed. Chemical-grade propylene is mixed with ammonia and air in a fluid bed reactor.
- Ammoxidation. Reaction over a bismuth molybdate or antimony-based catalyst at about 450 °C gives acrylonitrile in a single step.
- Quench and absorption. Reactor effluent is quenched with sulphuric acid to remove unreacted ammonia, then absorbed in water.
- Co-product recovery. Hydrogen cyanide and acetonitrile are separated and recovered as saleable co-products.
- Distillation. Acrylonitrile is purified by distillation, with water and light ends removed.
- Inhibition. MEHQ is dosed at typically 35 to 45 ppm to prevent polymerisation in storage.
Typical Commercial Specification
Figures below are representative of commercial acrylonitrile. Tell us your polymerisation route and we will advise on the water and inhibitor limits you should specify.
| Parameter | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear colourless liquid, free of suspended matter |
| Acrylonitrile purity | 99.5% min by weight |
| Inhibitor (MEHQ) | 35 – 45 ppm, to customer requirement |
| Water | To grade, typically 0.5% max |
| Acetonitrile | To grade, typically 300 ppm max |
| Acetone | To grade, typically 300 ppm max |
| Hydrogen cyanide | To grade, typically 5 ppm max |
| Acidity (as acetic acid) | To grade, typically 20 ppm max |
| Peroxides (as H₂O₂) | To grade, typically 0.2 ppm max |
| Colour (Pt-Co) | 10 max |
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | C₃H₃N (CH₂=CHCN) |
| Molecular weight | 53.06 g/mol |
| Appearance | Clear colourless liquid, faint pungent odour |
| Boiling point | 77.3 °C |
| Melting point | −83.5 °C |
| Flash point | About 0 °C (closed cup) |
| Density | 0.806 g/cm³ at 20 °C |
| Vapour pressure | About 11 kPa at 20 °C |
| Vapour density (relative to air) | 1.8, heavier than air |
| Flammable limits in air | About 3.0 to 17% by volume |
| Autoignition temperature | About 481 °C |
| Solubility in water | About 70 g/L at 20 °C |
| Incompatibilities | Acids, bases, amines, oxidisers, bromine, copper and copper alloys |
Behaviour in the process
Acrylonitrile is reactive, toxic and absorbed through skin, and all three shape its handling:
- Exothermic polymerisation. Heat, light, peroxides, acids and bases all initiate it; inhibitor and cool storage are both required.
- Skin absorption. Readily absorbed through intact skin in toxic quantities, so splash protection is essential.
- Cyanide release. Metabolised to cyanide in the body, which determines the medical response to exposure.
- Water soluble. Dissolves appreciably in water, so spills do not simply float and firefighting foam must be alcohol resistant.
Acrylonitrile Grades and Related Monomers
Acrylonitrile is sold to a single commercial specification with inhibitor matched to the supply chain.
| Material | Origin / type | When it is the right choice |
|---|---|---|
| Standard acrylonitrile | 99.5%+, 35–45 ppm MEHQ | Acrylic fibre, ABS, SAN, nitrile rubber and acrylamide |
| Carbon fibre precursor grade | Tighter impurity limits | PAN precursor for carbon fibre, where purity controls fibre properties |
| Methacrylonitrile | Methyl analogue, CAS 126-98-7 | Specialty copolymers; not a general substitute |
| Styrene monomer | CAS 100-42-5 | A copolymer partner in SAN and ABS rather than a substitute |
| Acrylic acid and esters | CAS 79-10-7 and others | Different acrylic chemistry for coatings and superabsorbents |
Stated plainly: nothing substitutes for acrylonitrile in acrylic fibre, ABS or nitrile rubber. The grade question is purity and inhibitor, and for carbon fibre precursor it is purity above all.
Industries We Supply Acrylonitrile To
Acrylonitrile serves fibres, plastics, rubber and increasingly advanced composites.
Where Acrylonitrile is Used
Acrylic fibre and ABS take the largest shares, with carbon fibre precursor the fastest growing segment.
In acrylic fibre and carbon fibre precursor
Acrylonitrile is polymerised in solution or suspension, usually with a small amount of comonomer to aid dyeing, then spun into fibre. For carbon fibre precursor the requirements are far stricter: trace impurities and inconsistent molecular weight translate directly into defects in the carbonised fibre, so precursor-grade acrylonitrile carries tighter specifications and tighter batch consistency.
Safety in handling
Acrylonitrile combines flammability, acute toxicity, skin absorption, carcinogenicity and polymerisation hazard in one product. Sites that handle it typically run closed transfer, continuous vapour monitoring, dedicated PPE including splash suits, and cyanide antidote protocols — the medical response reflects that acrylonitrile is metabolised to cyanide.
Need a specific grade, purity and packing format?
Tell us the grade, your inhibitor requirement and the purity your fibre or resin grade needs, the packing format you can receive and the annual quantity. We will come back with a price, a lead time, a sample COA and the full documentation set.
Quality Control & Testing
Every lot is released against a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis, with inhibitor and peroxide reported alongside purity because both are safety-critical.
- Acrylonitrile purity — by gas chromatography, the primary grade measure.
- MEHQ inhibitor level — confirming the stability margin for your storage time.
- Water content — reported because it affects polymerisation and phase behaviour.
- Peroxides — tested because they initiate uncontrolled polymerisation.
- Acetonitrile, acetone and HCN — measured as the characteristic process impurities.
- Acidity and colour — confirming freedom from degradation and contamination.
Common Process Problems & Likely Causes
When acrylonitrile causes trouble, it is usually inhibitor depletion, peroxides, water or impurities. This table is the shortcut our technical desk works through before anyone opens a complaint file.
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Tank temperature or pressure rising | Polymerisation starting | Emergency procedure first; then MEHQ level and peroxide result |
| Polymer or gel in the tank | Inhibitor depleted, peroxide, or light and heat exposure | MEHQ and peroxide figures, tank temperature history |
| Fibre defects in carbon fibre precursor | Trace impurities or molecular weight variation | Full impurity profile against the precursor specification |
| Polymerisation initiation slow | Inhibitor level above the recipe allowance | MEHQ figure against your initiator package |
| Yellow colour in the polymer | Oxidation products or peroxides | Colour and peroxide results |
| Corrosion or discolouration in storage | Copper alloys in contact with acrylonitrile | Material of construction throughout the system |
Packaging, Storage & Shipping
- Standard packing. 200 L drums, dedicated ISO tank containers and road tankers.
- Temperature control. Store below 25 °C in shaded, temperature-monitored tankage with high-temperature alarms.
- Light exclusion. Light initiates polymerisation; store in closed, opaque systems.
- Inhibitor and oxygen. MEHQ requires dissolved oxygen to function; follow the producer's guidance on headspace composition.
- Material compatibility. Carbon steel and stainless steel. Copper and copper alloys must be excluded.
- Segregation. Keep strictly apart from acids, bases, amines, oxidisers and bromine.
- Shelf life. Typically three to six months depending on inhibitor and temperature. Re-test MEHQ and peroxide.
- Transport classification. UN 1093, acrylonitrile stabilised, Class 3 flammable liquid with subsidiary 6.1 toxic, packing group I.
Hazards & Safe Handling
Acrylonitrile is acutely toxic, carcinogenic, readily absorbed through skin and highly flammable, and it polymerises exothermically. It demands the handling discipline of a cyanide-releasing substance.
- Acute toxicity. Toxic by inhalation, ingestion and skin contact. Metabolised to cyanide, causing headache, nausea, dizziness and, at higher exposure, collapse.
- Carcinogenicity. Classified Category 1B carcinogen. Exposure must be kept as low as technically achievable with closed systems and monitoring.
- Skin absorption. Absorbed through intact skin in toxic quantities. Splash protection and immediate decontamination are essential.
- Occupational exposure. Limits are low, commonly 2 ppm or less as an 8-hour average; confirm the limit in your jurisdiction.
- Flammability. Flash point about 0 °C with a flammable range of roughly 3 to 17%. Control ignition sources and bond equipment.
- Polymerisation hazard. Exothermic polymerisation initiated by heat, light, peroxides, acids or bases; maintain inhibitor and temperature control.
- Medical response. Cyanide antidote protocols apply. Site medical plans should name the treatment explicitly.
- Environment. Toxic to aquatic life; prevent entry to drains and watercourses.
Regulatory & Compliance Notes
Acrylonitrile is regulated as a carcinogen, an acutely toxic substance and a flammable liquid. The notes below are orientation rather than legal advice.
- GHS classification. Flammable liquid Category 2, acute toxicity Category 3 by all routes, carcinogenicity Category 1B, skin corrosion and skin sensitisation.
- Occupational exposure regulation. Dedicated acrylonitrile standards with low limits, monitoring, regulated areas and medical surveillance apply in many jurisdictions.
- Dangerous goods transport. UN 1093, Class 3 with subsidiary 6.1, PG I. ADR, IMDG, IATA and DOT rules apply.
- Residual monomer limits. ABS and acrylic articles in food contact and medical use are subject to residual acrylonitrile limits.
- REACH and inventories. Registered under EU REACH with harmonised classification as a Category 1B carcinogen.
- Quality agreements. Fibre and resin producers commonly expect documented inhibitor, peroxide and impurity limits with change control.
We Supply Acrylonitrile Worldwide
Chelora Chemicals is a supplier and export partner, not a single-plant trader. We ship Acrylonitrile from India and from partner sources to customers across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and North and South America, handling the export documentation, transport paperwork and freight so the material arrives ready to use.
- Incoterms. EXW, FOB, CIF, CFR and DAP quoted to suit your purchasing terms and freight arrangements.
- Ports. Regular shipments through Nhava Sheva (JNPT) and Mundra, with other ports arranged where routing and cargo rules allow.
- Documentation. Commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, COA, SDS and the transport declaration issued as a complete set.
- Flexible volumes. From a pallet of drums up to repeat bulk shipments on a supply contract.
- Supply continuity. Because we are independent of any one producer, a plant turnaround or a shipping disruption at one source does not have to become your stock-out.
Buying Acrylonitrile from Chelora
We are an independent sourcing and supply partner. For acrylonitrile that means settling three things at enquiry: your containment and medical response capability, the inhibitor level matched to your transit and storage time, and the purity grade your fibre or resin application requires.
- Documentation on every lot. Batch-specific COA (purity, inhibitor, water, peroxide), plus SDS and the full transport paperwork.
- Analysis before commitment. Representative analysis shared ahead of a commercial order so your lab can qualify the material.
- Quantities. From a pallet of drums through to full bulk shipments on contract supply.
- Grade matching. Standard or carbon fibre precursor grade, with the inhibitor level matched to your transit time and polymerisation recipe.
- Inspection. Independent third-party inspection available at loading when the contract requires it.
- Related products. Styrene Monomer, 1,3-Butadiene, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Resin and other feedstocks alongside Acrylonitrile from one supplier.
How ordering works
- Send the enquiry. Product, grade or purity, quantity, destination port and the Incoterm you buy on. If you have a spec sheet, attach it — it saves a round trip.
- We quote. Price, lead time, packing format and a sample COA, normally within one working day.
- Qualify the supply. For first orders or critical applications, we share the analysis and handling documentation so your technical and safety teams can sign off before you commit.
- Confirm the order. Proforma invoice issued; payment terms agreed against the volume and the relationship.
- Allocation and QC. Material allocated and released against a batch-specific COA, with an independent inspection where the contract calls for it.
- Ship and document. Filled, labelled and loaded with the full export document set, and tracked through to arrival.
Acrylonitrile — Common Questions
The questions our technical desk is asked most often about Acrylonitrile. If yours isn't here, call or email and you will reach someone who knows the chemistry.
What is the CAS number of acrylonitrile?
The CAS number for acrylonitrile is 107-13-1, and its EC number is 203-466-5. Its molecular formula is C₃H₃N with a molecular weight of 53.06 g/mol, and it is classified under HS code 2926.10.
What is acrylonitrile used for?
For acrylic fibre including carbon fibre precursor, ABS and SAN resins, nitrile rubber, acrylamide for water treatment flocculants, and adiponitrile in the nylon 66 chain.
Do you supply acrylonitrile worldwide?
Yes, to receivers who can demonstrate the containment and medical response capability it requires. Every consignment carries the COA with inhibitor data, the SDS and the full dangerous-goods documentation.
How is acrylonitrile manufactured?
By propylene ammoxidation in the Sohio process: propylene, ammonia and air react over a bismuth molybdate catalyst at about 450 °C in a fluid bed, producing acrylonitrile with hydrogen cyanide and acetonitrile as co-products.
Why is acrylonitrile so hazardous?
Because it combines several hazards at once: acute toxicity with cyanide metabolism, Category 1B carcinogenicity, ready skin absorption, high flammability and exothermic polymerisation. Few monomers carry all five.
What is the medical response to acrylonitrile exposure?
Because acrylonitrile is metabolised to cyanide, cyanide antidote protocols apply to significant exposures. Sites handling it should have those protocols established and the antidote available before the first delivery.
Why does acrylonitrile need an inhibitor?
Because it polymerises exothermically when exposed to heat, light, peroxides, acids or bases. MEHQ at 35 to 45 ppm prevents this during storage, and the level should be matched to transit and storage time.
What are the UN number and transport class?
UN 1093, acrylonitrile stabilised, Class 3 flammable liquid with subsidiary risk 6.1 toxic, packing group I. ADR, IMDG, IATA and DOT rules all apply.
How should acrylonitrile be stored?
Below 25 °C in shaded, closed, temperature-monitored tankage with alarms, away from light, acids, bases, amines and oxidisers, with copper alloys excluded and continuous vapour monitoring in the area.
What is carbon fibre precursor grade?
A tighter specification of acrylonitrile for polyacrylonitrile fibre destined for carbonisation. Trace impurities and molecular weight variation translate directly into defects in the finished carbon fibre, so both purity and batch consistency matter more.
What is the typical shelf life?
Three to six months depending on inhibitor level and storage temperature. Re-test MEHQ and peroxide content on stored material rather than assuming.
What packing sizes and order quantities are available?
200 L drums, dedicated ISO tank containers and road tankers. Orders run from a pallet of drums up to repeat bulk shipments on contract supply, subject to handling qualification.
Ready to source Acrylonitrile?
Send us your specification, grade and annual volume. You will get a price, a realistic lead time and a sample COA from someone who understands what the material has to do in your process — delivered anywhere in the world.