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Cyanide

Cyanide structure

CAS No:
57-12-5
Formula:
CHN
Chemical Name:
Cyanide
Synonyms:
Cyanides (as CN);Cyanides, except hydrogen cyanide, cyanogen & cyanogen chloride, (as CN);cyanide ion;Cyanogen ion;Cyanide;TIANFU-CHEM Methyl4-(cyanomethyl)benzoate57-12-5

Description

KCN and NaCN are white crystalline solids with a faint almond odor. Sodium cyanide also has a slight odor of hydrocyanic acid when damp. KCN: Boilingpoint=1625℃; Freezing/Melting point=634℃. NaCN:Boiling point=1496℃; Freezing/Melting point=564℃.NFPA 704 M Hazard Identification (KCN and NaCN):Health 3, Flammability 0 [(4) gas], Reactivity 1 [(2) gas].Soluble in water.

Cyanides comprise a wide range of compounds, all of which have a CN molecule and exist in either a solid, liquid, or gaseous form. Physical characteristics range froma colorless or pale blue liquid with a faint bitter almond-like odor (hydrogen cyanide, HCN) to a white solid, powder, or crystalline hygroscopic salt (sodium cyanide, NaCN) to a colorless toxic gas also with an almond-like odor (cyanogens, NCCN). Cyanide compounds are either organic or inorganic. Organic cyanides contain a noncovalent CN functional group and are typically called the cyano group or nitriles. A common nitrile is methyl cyanide, also known as acetonitrile (CH3CN). Inorganic cyanides have a negatively charged polyatomic cyanide ion (CN) and are generally referred to as cyanides. This group includes the cyanide salts (i.e., sodium cyanide, NaCN) which are considered the most toxic form.KCN and NaCN are white crystalline solids with a faint almond odor. Sodium cyanide also has a slight odor of hydrocyanic acid when damp. KCN: boiling point=1625℃ ; freezing/melting point=634℃ . NaCN: boiling point 1496℃; freezing/melting point=564℃ . NFPA 704 M Hazard identification (KCN and NaCN): Health 3, flammability 0 , reactivity 1. Soluble in water; slow decomposition releases highly toxic and flammable hydrogen cyanide gas.

cyanide: 1. An inorganic salt containingthe cyanide ion CN–. Cyanidesare extremely poisonousbecause of the ability of the CN– ionto coordinate with the iron inhaemoglobin, thereby blocking theuptake of oxygen by the blood. 2. Ametal coordination complex formedwith cyanide ions.

ChEBI: A pseudohalide anion that is the conjugate base of hydrogen cyanide.

Aqueous solutions with a faint odor of bitter almonds. Toxic by skin absorption, by ingestion, and inhalation of the hydrogen cyanide from the decomposition of the material. Toxic oxides of nitrogen are produced in fires involving Methyl4-(cyanomethyl)benzoate. Obtain the technical name of the material from the shipping papers and contact CHEMTREC, 800-424-9300 for specific response information.

Cyanide Basic Attributes

Molecular Weight：

26.02

TSCA：

TSCA listed

Characteristics

Melting Point：

148 °C (decomp)

Water Solubility：

Miscible with water.

Air and Water Reactions：

Water soluble. Inorganic cyanides react slowly with water to evolve gaseous hydrogen cyanide (HCN).

Reactivity Profile：

CYANIDE SOLUTIONS slowly evolve hydrogen cyanide, a flammable and poisonous gas. Acids cause the rapid evolution of HCN. Carbon dioxide from the air is sufficiently acidic to liberate HCN from solutions of cyanides. Incompatible with isocyanates, nitrides, and peroxides. Mayinitiate polymerization reactions of epoxides. May react exothermically with metal salts to produce explosive products or evolve gaseous hydrogen.

Safety Information

Packing level：

Hazard category：

6.1(a)

Storage features：

Color Code—Blue: Health Hazard/Poison: Storein a secure poison location. Prior to working with cyanidesyou should be trained on its proper handling and storage. Aregulated, marked area should be established where thischemical is handled, used, or stored in compliance withOSHA Standard 1910.1045. Protect against physical damage. Store in cool dry place. Separate from other storageand protect from acids and oxidizing materials.

Hazard Statements：

Cellular asphyxiation, respiration inhibition, highly toxic; very poisonous.

Hazardous Reactivities：

Soluble in water; slow decomposition releases highly toxic and flammable hydrogen cyanide gas. The aqueous solution of potassium and sodium cyanide are highly corrosive, and strong bases. KCN and NaCN react violently with acids, releasing highly flammable hydrogen cyanide. Potassium and sodium cyanide are incompatible with strong oxidizers (such as acids, acid salts; chlorates, nitrates), organic anhydrides; isocyanates, alkylene oxides; epichlorohydrin, aldehydes, alcohols, glycols, phenols, cre- sols, caprolactum. Attacks aluminum, copper, zinc in the presence of moisture. KCN and NaCN absorb moisture from the air forming a corrosive syrup.

RIDADR：

1588

Fire Hazards：

Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Vapors may accumulate in confined areas (basement, tanks, hopper/tank cars etc.). Substance will react with water (some violently), releasing corrosive and/or toxic gases and runoff. Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated or if contaminated with water.

Drug Information

Health Hazards：

TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors, dusts or substance may cause severe injury, burns or death. Reaction with water or moist air will release toxic, corrosive or flammable gases. Reaction with water may generate much heat that will increase the concentration of fumes in the air. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution.

Cyanide Use and Manufacturing

Uses

Fumigants, soil sterilizers, fertilizers, rodenticides.

Cyanide, standard solution is used to dissolve metals and their ores. It is also used in clinical chemistry and in waste water treatment facilities to determine the concentration of dissolved and particulate materials.

Production

Hydrogen cyanide is generally produced at point of use. Production is covered under 40 CFR 415.420, applicability; description of the hydrogen cyanide production subcategory.