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white crystalline powder

In electroplating processes; in metallurgy.

A white crystalline solid. Toxic by skin absorption through open wounds, by ingestion, and by inhalation of hydrogen cyanide from decomposition. Toxic oxides of nitrogen are produced in fires involving BARIUM CYANIDE.

Soluble in water. Gradually decomposed by water and rapidly decomposed by acids to give off hydrogen cyanide, a flammable poison gas.

BARIUM CYANIDE is an inorganic cyanide. Members of this class that contain heavy metals tend to explosive instability, most of them are capable of violent oxidation under certain conditions; fusion of metal cyanides with metal chlorates, perchlorates, nitrates, or nitrites can cause violent explosion [Bretherick 1979 p. 101].

INHALATION OR INGESTION: Exposure to cyanides can cause headache, vertigo, nausea, and vomiting may occur at low concentrations. High concentration causes difficult breathing, palpitation, paralysis, unconsciousness, respiratory arrest, cyanosis, and death. EYES: Irritation. SKIN: Rash, desquamation and itching.

Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Toxic cyanides and barium oxides.

Questionable carcinogen.

Barium cyanide is used in electroplating and in metallurgy.

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. If cyanide poisoning is confirmed, 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 1 2 years to ensure freshness. Persons trained in the use of this kit; oxygen use, and CPR must be quickly available. See also First Aid section in “Barium” entry.

UN1565 Barium cyanide, Hazard Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1—Poisonous materials.

Solution is basic. Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates, nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Keep away from alkaline materials, strong acids, & acid salts (release toxic hydrogen cyanide gas), strong bases.

Barium cyanide is a white crystalline powder.Often used in solution. Molecular weight=139.4; Heatof combustion=260.5 3 105 J/kg; Heat of solution 5(exothermic)=26.19 3 105 J/kg. Hazard Identification(based on NFPA-704 M Rating System): Health 3,Flammability 0, Reactivity 0. Soluble in water;solubility=80 g/100 cc at 14℃.

Precipitate barium with sulfate. Then add with stirring to alkaline calcium hypochlorite solution. Let stand 24 hours, then flush to sewer.

White crystalline powder; slowly decomposes in air; highly soluble in water, soluble in alcohol.

Barium cyanide is prepared by reacting barium hydroxide with hydrocyanic acid:
Ba(OH)₂ + 2HCN → Ba(CN)₂ +2H₂O
The product is crystallized from the solution.

Color Code—Blue: Health Hazard/Poison: Storein a secure poison location. Barium cyanide must be storedto avoid contact with acids; acid salt (such as potassiumbisulfate, calcium biphosphate and calcium nitrate); carbondioxide and strong oxidizers (such as nitrates, chlorates andchlorine) since violent reactions occur. Store in tightlyclosed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area