Re: RADSAFE digest 3077--------TN Illness----acetonitrile

[Magnu96196@aol.com]

In a message dated 4/7/00 9:21:08 AM Eastern Daylight Time, 
radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu writes:

<< 
 Without commenting extensively on Mr. Slavin's postings, I do wish to point
 out that the phrase "...acetonitrile (a cyanide compound)..." is confusing
 and misleading.   One method of synthesizing acetonitrile uses cyanide
 salts, but so what?  The product of a synthesis does not retain  the
 properties of the reagents used in the synthesis.  >>

============================

Hello RadSafe,

    I just pulled down the Hawley's chemical dictionary to look up 
"acetonitrile" and it is definded as "methyl cyanide" with chemical formula   
CH3CN.

    So, by direct definition, acetonitrile is a cyanide ion bearing compound 
and also reflected as its alternative name.   It is listed toxic at 40 ppm in 
air, flammable, toxic by inhallation and ingestion.  So, I think we can say 
that ion is available and makes for toxic effect.

   Most of the methyl compounds are known for their solublity and ready 
uptake by humans, and for making their components affect human health.    And 
this one does appear to have the CN- ion easily available.

   Methyl compounds frequently affect the nervous system, example 
fluoromethane, methyl bromide, methyl chloride, and real bad examples like 
Sarin and Soman----these are methyl compound war gases that target the 
nervous system.

   So, I think one should not expect acetonytrile to have any properties like 
table salt.   I do believe you engaged in loose speculation, which is not 
supported by what is seen in references to this methyl cyanide compound and 
others like it.    I would also think that burning acetonitrile would 
contribute the CN- ion to other burn products.

Just my Opionion,
Jim Phelps, listening
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