Toxicologic studies on o-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile

Abstract

The acute intravenous LD 50 of o-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile for rabbits is about 8 mg/kg. The subcutaneous LD 50 for mice is greater than 800 mg/kg. o-Chlorobenzylidene malononitrile caused only conjunctivitis when placed in the eyes of rabbits. The acute inhalation LCt 50 of o-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile for rats, mice, guinea pigs, and pigeons is 32,500, 43,500, 8300, 17,300 and 36,000 mg min/m 3 respectively. The administration of penicillin and isoproterenol did not alter mortality responses in guinea pigs following inhalation of o-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile. Daily exposure to o-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile, 5 days a week for 5 weeks, had no apparent effect on dogs. Daily exposure (3600 mg min/m 3) caused death of some of the exposed rats. o-Chlorobenzylidene malononitrile is a potent sternutator and lacrimator and has a high ratio between the lethal and irritating airborne concentration in animals.