Chemical Properties
Mercuric cyanide is an odorless, white crystalline solid; turns gray to dark brown when exposed to light
Chemical Properties
WHITE FINE CRYSTALLINE POWDER
General Description
Odorless tetragonal crystals or white powder. Toxic by inhalation (dust, and the hydrogen cyanide from decomposition) and by ingestion. Toxic oxides of nitrogen are produced in fires.
Reactivity Profile
MERCURIC CYANIDE(592-04-1) is rapidly decomposed by acids to give off hydrogen cyanide, a flammable poison gas. Decomposed in the light. May tend to explosive instability. Capable of violent reaction with oxidizing agents. Fusion with metal chlorates, perchlorates, nitrates or nitrites can cause a violent explosion [Bretherick 1979. p. 101].
Air & Water Reactions
Soluble in water. Gradually decomposed by water to give off hydrogen cyanide, a flammable poison gas.
Hazard
Toxic by ingestion, inhalation, and skin
absorption.
Health Hazard
Symptoms of both cyanide and mercury intoxication can occur. Acute poisoning has resulted from inhaling dust concentrations of 1.2-8.5 mg/m 3 of air; symptoms include tightness and pain in chest, coughing, and difficul ty in breathing; cyanide poisoning can cause anxiety, confusion, dizziness, and shortness of breath, with possible unconsciousness, convulsions, and paralysis; breath may smell like bitter almonds. Ingestion causes necrosis, pain, vomiting, an d severe purging, plus the above symptoms. Contact with eyes causes ulceration of conjunctiva and cornea. Contact with skin causes irritation and possible dermatitis; systemic poisoning can occur by absorption through skin.
Potential Exposure
Mercuric cyanide is used in medicine,
germicidal soaps, photography and in making cyanogen
gas
Fire Hazard
Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Fumes from fire may contain toxic mercury and hydrogen cyanide.
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 respiration 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 running 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 observation 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 paramedic may consider administering a drug or other inhalation therapy. Antidotes and Special Procedures for medical
personnel: The drug NAP has been used to treat mercury
poisoning, with mixed success.
Shipping
UN1636 Mercuric cyanide, Hazard Class: 6.1;
Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials
Incompatibilities
Violent reaction with fluorine, magnesium, sodium nitrite, acids. Heating or contact with acid
releases toxic mercury and flammable hydrogen cyanide
gas. Incompatible with 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
Description
Mercuric cyanide is an odorless, white crystalline solid; turns gray to dark brown when exposed to light. Molecular weight= 252.63; Decomposes at 319℃. Hazard Identification (based on NFPA-704 M Rating System): Health 3, Flammability 0, Reactivity 0. Soluble in water.
Waste Disposal
Return to supplier for mercury recovery and deactivation.
Definition
ChEBI: Mercury dicyanide is a mercury coordination entity.
Preparation
One part of HgO is digested for a few hours on a water bath
with one part of Prussian blue and 10 parts of H2O. The mercuric cyanide crystals
separate on evaporation of the solution.
Purification Methods
Crystallise it from water. The solubility in H2O is 8% at ~20o and 33% at ~100o; in EtOH it is 8% at ~20o and in MeOH it is 25% at ~20o. [Blitz Z Anorg Allgem Chem 170 161 1928.] POISONOUS.
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 cyanide must be stored to avoid contact with fluorine, magnesium, and sodium nitrite, since violent reactions occur. Mercuric cyanide should not contact acid or heat because it will release flammable hydrogen cyanide gas. Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from light. Protect containers from physical damage.
