Organic Chemical
acrylonitrile Audio
ac·ry·lo·ni·trile [ ak-ruh-loh-nahy-tril, -treel, -trahyl ]
Subclass of:
Nitriles
Definitions related to acrylonitrile:
  • A colorless, volatile liquid with a pungent, onion-like odor. Acrylonitrile is widely used in industry to produce rubber, resins, plastics, elastomers and synthetic fibers and to manufacture carbon fibers used in aircraft, defense and aerospace industries. Exposure to acrylonitrile irritates the mucous membranes and causes a headache, nausea, dizziness, impaired judgment, difficulty breathing, limb weakness, cyanosis, convulsions and collapse. Acrylonitrile is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen and may be associated with an increased risk of developing lung and prostate cancer. (NCI05)
    NCI Thesaurus
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • A highly poisonous compound used widely in the manufacture of plastics, adhesives and synthetic rubber.
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
  • A substance used to make plastics, rubber, and textiles. Exposure to acrylonitrile may increase the risk of developing certain cancers (such as lung, brain, or prostate cancer).
    NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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