Acrylonitrile is 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)

Acrylonitrile is an important monomer for synthetic fibers, synthetic rubbers and synthetic resins.Polyacrylonitrile fiber, namely acrylic fiber, is produced from acrylonitrile. Its properties are very similar to wool, so it is also called synthetic wool.Copolymerization of acrylonitrile with butadiene produces nitrile rubber, which has good oil resistance, cold resistance, wear resistance and electrical insulation properties, and remains relatively stable under the action of most chemical solvents, sunlight and heat.Copolymerization of acrylonitrile with butadiene and styrene produces ABS resin, which has the advantages of light weight, good cold resistance and excellent impact resistance.Acrylamide, acrylic acid and its esters can be prepared by hydrolysis of acrylonitrile. They are important organic chemical raw materials.Acrylonitrile can also be electrolytically hydrocoupled to form adiponitrile, which is then hydrogenated to produce hexamethylenediamine, a raw material for nylon 66.It can be used to manufacture water-resistant agents and adhesives, and is also applied in other organic synthesis and the pharmaceutical industry, as well as a fumigant for cereals.In addition, the product is also an aprotic polar solvent and serves as a raw material for the oilfield mud additive PAC142.