Chemical Properties
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 point51496
C; 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.
Definition
ChEBI: A pseudohalide anion that is the conjugate base of hydrogen cyanide.
General Description
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.
Air & 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.
Health Hazard
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.
Fire Hazard
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.
Hazard
Cellular asphyxiation, respiration inhibition, highly toxic; very poisonous.
Potential Exposure
Sodium and potassium cyanides are
used primarily in the extraction of ores, electroplating,
metal treatment, and various manufacturing processes.
Iodine cyanide: Used generally for destroying all lower
forms of life; in taxidermy to preserve insects, etc.
First aid
Move victim to fresh air. Call 911 or emergency
medical service. Give artificial respiration if victim is not
breathing. Do not use mouth-to-mouth method if victim
ingested or inhaled the substance; give artificial respira-
tion with the aid of a pocket mask equipped with a one-way
valve or other proper respiratory medical device.
Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. Remove and
isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. In case of contact
with substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with run-
ning water for at least 20 minutes. For minor skin contact,
avoid spreading material on unaffected skin. Keep victim
warm and quiet. Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion,
or skin contact) to substance may be delayed. Ensure that
medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved
and take precautions to protect themselves. Medical obser-
vation is recommended for 24 to 48 hours after breathing
overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be delayed. As
first aid for pulmonary edema, a doctor or authorized para-
medic may consider administering a drug or other inhala-
tion therapy. 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 1 2 years to ensure freshness. Persons
trained in the use of this kit; oxygen use, and CPR must be
quickly available.
Shipping
UN1588 Cyanides, inorganic, solid, n.o.s.,
Hazard Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials.
UN1935
Incompatibilities
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.
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.
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. 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. Add
strong alkaline hypochlorite and react for 24 hours. Then
flush to sewer with large volumes of water
.
Production Methods
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.
Carcinogenicity
There is no evidence that exposure
to cyanide causes cancer. USEPA lists cyanide as not
classifiable with respect to its potential to cause cancer in
humans. However, certain compounds included in the cyanide
group may be human carcinogens. For example, acrylonitrile
has been judged to be a probable human carcinogen.
Details of these effects are provided in the appropriate
sections where individual compounds are discussed.
storage
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.