Chemical Properties
White, crystalline powder.Moderately soluble in water.
General Description
A white crystalline solid. Can explode on prolonged exposure to fire, heat or percussion. For the purpose of desensitization 33% MERCURIC OXYCYANIDE is mixed with 67% mercuric cyanide. Toxic by inhalation and by ingestion. Used in medicine.
Air & Water Reactions
Moderately soluble in water
Reactivity Profile
MERCURIC OXYCYANIDE detonates on heating [Hawley]. Several instances have been reported where explosions occurred in handling this substance. Friction is a frequent cause of the explosion [Chem. Abst. 16:2010. 1972]. Decomposes on contact with acid to give off hydrogen cyanide, a flammable poisonous gas. Desensitized by mixing 67% mercuric cyanide to create commercial product.
Health Hazard
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.
Fire Hazard
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.
Hazard
Detonates on heating, dangerous explosion
risk. Highly toxic.
Description
Mercuric oxycyanide is a white crystalline solid. It explodes instead of melting. Molecular weight= 721.9; Specific gravity (water=1)= 4.43. Hazard Identification (based on NFPA-704 M Rating System): Health 3, Flammability 1, Reactivity 4. Soluble in water.
Potential Exposure
This material has been used in medicine as a topical antiseptic.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least 15 min, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure, begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical facility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and induce vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit. 1700 Mercuric oxycyanide Antidotes and special procedures for medical personnel: The drug NAP (n-acetyl penicillamine) has been used to treat mercury poisoning, with mixed success. Note to physician: For severe poisoning BAL [British AntiLewisite, dimercaprol, dithiopropanol (C3H8OS2)] has been used to treat toxic symptoms of certain heavy metals poisoning including mercury. Although BAL is reported to have a large margin of safety, caution must be exercised, because toxic effects may be caused by excessive dosage. Most can be prevented by premedication with 1-ephedrine sulfate (CAS: 134-72-5).
storage
Color Code—Blue: Health Hazard/Poison: Store in a secure poison location. Prior to working with this chemical you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. Mercuric oxycyanide is self reactive. Friction, heat, and rough handling may cause an explosion. Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area.
Shipping
Shipping of this material is FORBIDDEN unless it is desensitized. The desensitized material requires a shipping label of “POISONOUS/TOXIC MATERIALS.” The desensitized material falls in DOT Hazard Class 6.1 and Packing Group II.
Incompatibilities
Mercuric oxycyanide is self reactive. Friction, heat, shock, and careless handling may cause an explosion. Contact with acid or acid mist causes the release of toxic mercury and hydrogen cyanide vapors.
