Description
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℃.
Chemical Properties
Barium cyanide is a white crystalline powder.
Often used in solution.
Physical properties
White crystalline powder; slowly decomposes in air; highly soluble in water, soluble in alcohol.
Uses
In electroplating processes; in metallurgy.
Preparation
Barium cyanide is prepared by reacting barium hydroxide with hydrocyanic acid:
Ba(OH)
2 + 2HCN → Ba(CN)
2 +2H
2O
The product is crystallized from the solution.
General Description
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.
Air & Water Reactions
Soluble in water. Gradually decomposed by water and rapidly decomposed by acids to give off hydrogen cyanide, a flammable poison gas.
Reactivity Profile
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].
Hazard
Questionable carcinogen.
Health Hazard
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.
Fire Hazard
Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Toxic cyanides and barium oxides.
Safety Profile
A deadly poison. See
also CYANIDE and BARIUM
COMPOUNDS (soluble). When heated to
decomposition it emits toxic fumes of CN-.
Potential Exposure
Barium cyanide is used in electroplating
and in metallurgy.
First aid
cal attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the skin,remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately withsoap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. If thischemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure, beginrescue breathing (using universal precautions, includingresuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if heartaction 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. Donot make an unconscious person vomit. If cyanide poisoningis confirmed, use amyl nitrate capsules if symptoms develop.All area employees should be trained regularly in emergencymeasures for cyanide poisoning and in CPR. A cyanide antidote kit should be kept in the immediate work area and mustbe rapidly available. Kit ingredients should be replacedevery 1 2 years to ensure freshness. Persons trained in theuse of this kit, oxygen use, and CPR must be quickly available. See also First Aid section in “Barium” entry.If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove anycontact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least15 min, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medi
storage
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
Shipping
UN1565 Barium cyanide, Hazard Class: 6.1;
Labels: 6.1—Poisonous materials.
Incompatibilities
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.
Waste Disposal
Precipitate barium with sulfate.
Then add with stirring to alkaline calcium hypochlorite
solution. Let stand 24 hours, then flush to sewer.
