ACROLEIN

Acrolein
(Acrylaldehyde, acrylic aldehyde, 2-propenal)
CAS 107-02-8

H₂ C=CHCHO

Colorless to yellow liquid
bp 53 °C, mp -87 °C
Highly soluble in water (21 g/100 mL)

Pungent, lacrimatory, intensely irritating odor detectable at 0.02 to 0.4 ppm

1.9 (air = 1.0)

210 mmHg at 20 °C

-26 °C

234 °C

LD₅₀ oral (rat) 42 to 46 mg/kg

LD₅₀ skin (rabbit) 562 mg/kg

LC₅₀ inhal (rat) 300 mg/m³(30 min)

PEL (OSHA) 0.1 ppm (0.25 mg/m³)

STEL (OSHA) 0.3 ppm (0.69 mg/m³)

TLV-TWA (ACGIH) 0.1 ppm (0.23 mg/m³)

STEL (ACGIH) 0.3 ppm (0.69 mg/m³)

Highly toxic; causes severe irritation and corrosion of skin, eyes, nose, and respiratory system; highly flammable; may polymerize violently upon loss or removal of inhibitor or initiation by chemical agents.

Acrolein is a highly toxic and corrosive substance. Inhalation of acrolein can cause moderate to severe eye, nose, and respiratory system irritation after a few minutes of exposure to concentrations as low as 0.25 ppm. Higher concentrations can cause immediate and/or delayed lung injury including pulmonary edema and respiratory insufficiency; fatal reactions have occurred upon exposure to as little as 10 ppm. This substance is a powerful lacrimator, and eye contact with acrolein liquid or vapor can cause severe burns. Skin contact can cause severe redness, swelling, burns with blistering, and corrosion. Acrolein can be absorbed through the skin, leading to systemic effects including delayed pulmonary edema. Ingestion of acrolein can cause gastrointestinal distress, pulmonary congestion, and edema. Acrolein has been reported to be a weak skin sensitizer in some individuals. This substance is regarded as having adequate warning properties.

Acrolein is mutagenic in bacteria but did not cause increased tumor incidence in animals exposed chronically by injection or inhalation. Administration to pregnant rats caused malformations and lethality to embryos. Chronic exposure to as little as 0.21 ppm acrolein caused inflammatory changes in lungs, liver, kidneys, and brains of experimental animals.

Acrolein is a highly flammable liquid (NFPA rating = 3) and its vapor can travel a considerable distance and "flash back." Acrolein vapor forms explosive mixtures with air at concentrations of 2.8 to 31% (by volume). Carbon dioxide or dry chemical extinguishers should be used for acrolein fires.

Acrolein can polymerize violently upon exposure to heat (temperatures above 50 °C), light, or various chemical initiators such as amines, bases, and acids. Commercial acrolein contains an inhibitor such as hydroquinone; samples from which the inhibitor has been removed (e.g., by distillation) are extremely hazardous.

Because of its corrosivity, flammability, and high acute toxicity, acrolein should be handled using the "basic prudent practices" of Chapter 5.C, supplemented by the additional precautions for work with compounds of high toxicity (Chapter 5.D) and extremely flammable substances (Chapter 5.F). In particular, work with acrolein should be conducted in a fume hood to prevent exposure by inhalation, and splash goggles and butyl rubber gloves should be worn at all times to prevent eye and skin contact. Acrolein should be used only in areas free of ignition sources. Containers of acrolein should be stored in secondary containers in areas separate from amines, oxidizers, acids, and bases.

In the event of skin contact, immediately wash with soap and water and remove contaminated clothing. In case of eye contact, promptly wash with copious amounts of water for 15 min (lifting upper and lower lids occasionally) and obtain medical attention. If acrolein is ingested, obtain medical attention immediately. If acrolein is inhaled, move the person to fresh air and seek medical attention at once, since immediate or delayed respiratory injury may result.

In the event of a spill, remove all ignition sources, soak up the acrolein with a spill pillow or absorbent material, place in an appropriate container, and dispose of properly. Respiratory protection should be employed owing to the risk of severe eye, nose, and respiratory injury.

Excess acrolein and waste material containing this substance should be placed in an appropriate container, clearly labeled, and handled according to your institution's waste disposal guidelines.

The information in this LCSS has been compiled by a committee of the National Research Council from literature sources and Material Safety Data Sheets and is believed to be accurate as of July 1994. This summary is intended for use by trained laboratory personnel in conjunction with the NRC report Prudent Practices in the Laboratory: Handling and Disposal of Chemicals. This LCSS presents a concise summary of safety information that should be adequate for most laboratory uses of the title substance, but in some cases it may be advisable to consult more comprehensive references. This information should not be used as a guide to the nonlaboratory use of this chemical.

Copyright 1995 National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.