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Lead cyanide (Pb(CN)2)

Lead cyanide (Pb(CN)2) structure

Lead cyanide (Pb(CN)2) 

structure
  • CAS No:

    592-05-2

  • Formula:

    C2N2Pb

  • Chemical Name:

    Lead cyanide (Pb(CN)2)

  • Synonyms:

    Lead cyanide (Pb(CN)2);C.I. 77610;C.I. Pigment Yellow 48

  • Categories:

    Inorganic Chemistry  >  Inorganic Salts

Description

With the formula Pb(CN)₂, it appears as a white to pale yellow crystalline powder and is highly toxic, with poor solubility in cold water. Its crystal structure consists of lead ions coordinated to cyanide groups, and it releases deadly hydrogen cyanide gas when exposed to acids.

Lead cyanide (Pb(CN)2) Basic Attributes

259.2348

259.98300

209-742-1

1620

2837199013

Characteristics

47.58000

Lead cyanide appears as a white to yellowish powder. Toxic by skin absorption, by ingestion, and by inhalation of dust, or hydrogen cyanide produced by slight decomposition. Produces toxic oxides of nitrogen in fires.

slightly soluble H2O; decomposed by acid [HAW93]

Intraperitoneal injection-rat LDL0: 100 mg/kg

Non-combustible; in case of water, moisture and acid decomposition of toxic hydrogen hydride gas

Slightly soluble in water and gradually decomposed by water evolving poisonous and flammable hydrogen cyanide.

Cyanides, Inorganic

LEAD CYANIDE is decomposed by acids to give off hydrogen cyanide, a flammable poisonous gas. Tends to explosive instability. Capable of violent oxidation: fusion with metal chlorates, perchlorates, nitrates or nitrites can cause explosions [Bretherick, 1979 p. 101]. Reacts with incandescence with magnesium [Mellor, 1940, Vol. 4, 271].

Safety Information

II

6.1(a)

1620

Treasury is ventilated, low temperature and dry; stored and transported separately from chlorate and sodium nitrite (potassium)

Explosive when mixed with chlorate, sodium nitrite (potassium)

P201, P202, P260, P264, P270, P281, P308+P313, P314, P405, P501

H341

Excerpt from ERG Guide 151 [Substances - Toxic (Non-combustible)]: Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may pollute waterways. (ERG, 2016)

|Danger|H341: Suspected of causing genetic defects [Warning Germ cell mutagenicity]|P201, P202, P260, P264, P270, P281, P308+P313, P314, P405, and P501

Excerpt from ERG Guide 151 [Substances - Toxic (Non-combustible)]: SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2 or water spray. LARGE FIRE: Water spray, fog or regular foam. Move containers from fire area if you can do it without risk. Dike fire-control water for later disposal; do not scatter the material. Use water spray or fog; do not use straight streams. FIRE INVOLVING TANKS OR CAR/TRAILER LOADS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire. For massive fire, use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. (ERG, 2016)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 151 [Substances - Toxic (Non-combustible)]: As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. SPILL: Increase, in the downwind direction, as necessary, the isolation distance shown above. FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2016)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 151 [Substances - Toxic (Non-combustible)]: Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Cover with plastic sheet to prevent spreading. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS. (ERG, 2016)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 151 [Substances - Toxic (Non-combustible)]: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer. It may provide little or no thermal protection. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides limited protection in fire situations ONLY; it is not effective in spill situations where direct contact with the substance is possible. (ERG, 2016)

Toxicity

highly toxic

Drug Information

Excerpt from ERG Guide 151 [Substances - Toxic (Non-combustible)]: Highly toxic, may be fatal if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through skin. Avoid any skin contact. Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution. (ERG, 2016)|Carcinogens

Excerpt from ERG Guide 151 [Substances - Toxic (Non-combustible)]: Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved and take precautions to protect themselves. Move victim to fresh air. Call 911 or emergency medical service. Give artificial respiration if victim is not breathing. Do not use mouth-to-mouth method if victim ingested or inhaled the substance; give artificial respiration with the aid of a pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other proper respiratory medical device. Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. In case of contact with substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes. For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin. Keep victim calm and warm. Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion or skin contact) to substance may be delayed. (ERG, 2016)

Lead cyanide (Pb(CN)2) Use and Manufacturing

Uses

Lead cyanide, a compound with relatively limited applications in commercial and industrial fields, plays a special role mainly in the metallurgical industry. Historically, because of its unique chemical properties, lead cyanide has been used as a yellow pigment, known as C.I. Pigment Yellow 48 or C.I. 77610, this vivid yellow is used in a variety of art works and industrial products to add a unique touch of color to the world. However, the use of this compound is not without cost. In the metallurgical industry, lead cyanide is used in the electroplating process and in the cyaniding process to extract precious metals such as gold and silver from ores. Although these applications have some technical value, the use of lead cyanide comes with significant health and environmental risks. Because of its high toxicity, long-term or excessive exposure can cause nervous system damage, kidney failure, and possibly cancer, lead cyanide has been classified as a human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Due to these serious health effects, many countries and regions have imposed strict restrictions on the use of lead cyanide. In many cases, research and industry have developed safer and more environmentally friendly alternatives to the use of lead cyanide in these processes. The emergence of non-cyanide metal extraction technologies, for example, offers a safer option for extracting metals from ore. Although lead cyanide is still used in some specific applications, its handling and storage must follow strict regulations. Trained professionals operate in controlled industrial or laboratory environments to ensure minimal exposure risks. In addition, the transportation and disposal of lead cyanide is also subject to strict regulations to prevent irreversible pollution to the environment, as well as to avoid unintentional human exposure. The special properties of lead cyanide make it useful in some fields, but its potential health and environmental hazards cannot be ignored. As a result, the use of this compound is severely restricted and regulated worldwide. While pursuing scientific and technological progress, we must always keep in mind the importance of protecting human health and the earth's environment in order to achieve sustainable development.

Health Hazards -> Carcinogens

Computed Properties

Molecular Weight:259
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count:2
Exact Mass:259.98280
Monoisotopic Mass:259.98280
Topological Polar Surface Area:47.6
Heavy Atom Count:5
Complexity:85.3
Covalently-Bonded Unit Count:1
Compound Is Canonicalized:Yes

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