Chemical Properties
Cuprous cyanide is a white crystalline substance.
Description
off-white to green powder. Insoluble in water,soluble in HCI, Nl40H, and potassium cyanide. Used in Sandmeyer's reaction to synthesize aryl cyanides. Toxic by skin absorption, through open wounds, by ingestion, and by inhalation of hydrogen cyanide that arises from slight decomposition. Produces toxic oxides of nitrogen in fires.
General Description
A green powder. Insoluble in water. Toxic by skin absorption, through open wounds, by ingestion, and by inhalation of hydrogen cyanide that arises from slight decomposition. Produces toxic oxides of nitrogen in fires.
Reactivity Profile
COPPER CYANIDE(544-92-3) is decomposed by acids to give off hydrogen cyanide, a flammable poisonous gas. Tends to explosive instability. Capable of violent oxidation under certain condition: 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].
Air & Water Reactions
Insoluble in water.
Health Hazard
Following severe exposure to dust, symptoms of cyanide poisoning may develop (see ingestion). Ingestion causes anxiety, confusion, dizziness, sudden loss of consciousness, odor of bitter almonds on breath or in vomitus, rapid weak pulse, convulsions, and paralysis. Contact with eyes causes irritation.
Potential Exposure
Copper cyanide is used in electroplating copper on iron; and as an insecticide and a catalyst.
Fire Hazard
Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Toxic hydrogen cyanide gas may form in fires.
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.
Shipping
UN1587 Copper cyanide, Hazard Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials
Incompatibilities
Contact with heat, strong acids (HCl, H2SO4, HNO3) forms deadly hydrogen cyanide gas. May release hydrogen cyanide on contact with moisture. Incompatible with strong oxidizers (chlorates, nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Keep away from alkaline materials, strong bases, strong acids, oxoacids, epoxides, acetylene gas, and chemically active metals, such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, and zinc.
Waste Disposal
Copper-containing soluble wastes can be concentrated through the use of ion exchange, reverse osmosis, or evaporators to the point where copper can be electrolytically removed and sent to a reclaiming firm. If recovery is not feasible, the copper can be precipitated through the use of caustics and the sludge deposited in a chemical waste landfill. Copper-containing wastes can be concentrated to the point where copper can be electrolytically removed and reclaimed. If recovery is not feasible, the copper can be precipitated by alkali; the cyanide destroyed by alkaline oxidation yielding a sludge which can be sent to a chemical waste landfill. In accordance with 40CFR165, follow recommendations for the disposal of pesticides and pesticide containers. Must be disposed properly by following package label directions or by contacting your local or federal environmental control agency, or by contacting your regional EPA office.
Physical properties
Cream-colored powder or green orthorhombic or red monoclinic crystals; density 2.90 g/cm3; melts at 474°C; decomposes at higher temperatures; practically insoluble in water, ethanol, and cold dilute acids; dissolves in ammonium hydroxide and potassium cyanide solutions.
Purification Methods
Wash the cyanide thoroughly with boiling H2O, then with EtOH. Dry it at 100o to a fine soft powder. It dissolves in excess alkali cyanide solutions to form the very soluble complex ion Cu(CN)43-. [Bassett & Corbett J Chem Soc 125 1660 1924, Barber J Chem Soc 79 1943.]
Flammability and Explosibility
Notclassified
storage
Color Code—Blue: Health Hazard/Poison: Storein a secure poison location. Prior to working with thischemical you should be trained on its proper handling andstorage. Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, wellventilated area away from strong oxidizers.
