Chemical Properties
Potassium silver cyanide is a white crystalline
solid.
Chemical Properties
Potassium silver cyanide is a poisonous, white solid made of crystals, which are light sensitive. It is soluble in water and acids and slightly soluble in ethanol. It emits very toxic fumes when heated to decomposition.
Uses
Silver platingPotassium silver cyanide is used in silver plating and in the manufacturing of antiseptics. It is a versatile bridging ligand and finds use for multidimensional polymer construction.
General Description
White crystals. Poisonous. Used in silver plating, as a bactericide and in the manufacture of antiseptics. Not registered as a pesticide in the U.S.
Air & Water Reactions
Water soluble [Merck].
Reactivity Profile
Potassium dicyanoargentate is light sensitive. Acids precipitate silver cyanide from its aqueous solution. Fusion with metal chlorates, perchlorates, nitrates or nitrites can cause violent explosions [Bretherick 1979 p. 101].
Health Hazard
The primary health hazard is as a cyanide. (Non-specific -- Cyanide, Inorganic, n.o.s.). It is poisonous and may be fatal if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through the skin. Fire may produce irritating or poisonous gases.
Health Hazard
Potassium silver cyanide is a poisonous, white solid made of crystals, which are light sensitive. It is soluble in water and acids, and slightly soluble in ethanol. It emits very toxic
fumes when heated to decomposition. Synonyms for potassium silver cyanide are potassium argentocyanide and potassium dicyanoargentate
Fire Hazard
When heated to decomposition, Potassium dicyanoargentate emits very toxic fumes of cyanide and nitrogen oxides. Avoid light.
Flammability and Explosibility
Not classified
Safety Profile
Poison by ingestion. A
severe skin and eye irritant. When heated to
decomposition it emits very toxic fumes of
CN-, K2O, and NOx. See also CYANIDE
and SILVER COMPOUNDS.
Potential Exposure
Potassium silver cyanide is used in
silver plating; as a bactericide; and in the manufacture
of antiseptics. Not registered for use as a pesticide in the
United States
Shipping
UN1588 Cyanides, inorganic, solid, n.o.s.,
Hazard Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials,
Technical Name Required.
Incompatibilities
Contact with acid, acid fumes release
hydrogen cyanide. Incompatible with water, steam, or when
heated to decomposition, emits toxic and flammable cyanide
vapors. Potassium silver cyanide reacts with carbon dioxide
releasing hydrogen cyanide. Light sensitive. Incompatible
with oxidizers (chlorates, nitrates, peroxides, permanganates,
perchlorates, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, etc.); contact may
cause fires or explosions. Keep away from alkaline materi-
als, strong bases, strong acids, oxoacids, epoxides. Acids
precipitate silver cyanide from its aqueous solution. Fusion
with metal chlorates, perchlorates, nitrates or nitrites can
cause violent explosions
Waste Disposal
Consult with environmental
regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal
practices. Generators of waste containing this contaminant
(≥100 kg/mo) must conform with EPA regulations govern-
ing storage, transportation, treatment, and waste disposal.
