General Description
A white to gray odorless tasteless powder that darkens on exposure to light. Insoluble in water. Toxic by skin absorption through open wounds, ingestion and inhalation of dust. Toxic oxides of nitrogen are produced in fires.
Reactivity Profile
SILVER CYANIDE(506-64-9) is very rapidly decomposed by acids giving off hydrogen cyanide, a flammable poison gas. Soluble in aqueous ammonia, dilute boiling nitric acid, aqueous potassium cyanide solution and aqueous sodium thiosulfate solutions. Subject to explosive instability or violent oxidation under certain conditions. Fusion with metal chlorates, perchlorates, nitrates, or nitrites can cause a violent explosion [Bretherick 1979 p. 101]. Fluorine and SILVER CYANIDE(506-64-9) react with explosive violence at ordinary temperatures [Mellor 2 Supp. 1:63 1956].
Air & Water Reactions
Insoluble in water. Decomposes slowly when moist, giving off hydrogen cyanide, which is toxic by inhalation.
Hazard
Toxic by ingestion or inhalation.
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.
Potential Exposure
It is primarily used in silver plating.
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.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least 15 minutes, 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. Note: Use amyl nitrate capsules if symptoms develop. All area employees should be trained regularly in emergency measures for cyanide poisoning and in CPR. A cyanide antidote kit should be kept in the immediate work area and must be rapidly available. Kit ingredients should be replaced every 12 years to ensure freshness. Persons trained in the use of this kit; oxygen use, and CPR must be quickly available.
Shipping
UN1684 Silver cyanide, Hazard Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials.
Incompatibilities
Acetylene, ammonia, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Contact with moisture, CO2, acid and acid fumes release hydrogen cyanide. Contact with fluorine is violently explosive at normal temperatures. Incompatible with phosphorus cyanide.
Chemical Properties
Silver cyanide is a white or grayish, odorless powder which darkens when exposed to light.
Chemical Properties
white to off-white powder
Waste Disposal
Consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices. Generators of waste containing this contaminant (≥100 kg/mo) must conform to EPA regulations governing storage, transportation, treatment, and waste disposal
Uses
For silver plating; formerly used for extemporaneous preparation of dil hydrocyanic acid by treatment with HCl.
Uses
Silver cyanide is used in silver-plating.
Flammability and Explosibility
Notclassified
Purification Methods
It is a POISONOUS white or grayish white powder. Stir it thoroughly with H2O, filter, wash well with EtOH and dry it in air in the dark. It is very insoluble in H2O (0.000023g in 100mL H2O) but is soluble in HCN or aqueous KCN to form the soluble Ag(CN) 22 complex. [Schnitz-Dumont Chem Ber 72 298 1939, Randall & Halford J Am Chem Soc 52 184 1930.]
