Chemical Properties
Ethyl thiocyanate is a liquid. Onion odor
Chemical Properties
clear colorless liquid
Uses
Ethyl thiocyanate was used in the synthesis of hydrogen cyanide by undergoing
in situ reduction with dithiothreitol.
General Description
Liquid. Used as an agricultural insecticide.
Reactivity Profile
Nitric acid violently oxidized a thiocyanate solution [Bretherick, 1979 p. 121]. Caution should be exercised in treating a thiocyanate with an oxidizing agent such as a peroxide or chlorate as such mixtures have been known to explode.
Health Hazard
Ethylthiocyanate is highly toxic if ingested.
Fire Hazard
When heated to decomposition, Ethylthiocyanate emits very toxic fumes of oxides of nitrogen and sulfur.
Safety Profile
Poison by ingestion,
subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, and
intravenous routes. When heated to
decomposition it emits very toxic fumes of
NO, and SOx. See also THIOCYANATES.
Potential Exposure
This thiocyanate material is used as an
agricultural insecticide
Shipping
UN2929 Toxic liquids, flammable, organic,
n.o.s., Hazard class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poison Inhalation
Hazard, 3-Flammable liquid, Technical Name Required
Purification Methods
Fractionally distil the ester at atmospheric pressure. [Beilstein 2 IV 1218.] (CARE LACHRYMATOR.)
Incompatibilities
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, and epoxides. Esters are generally
incompatible with nitrates. Moisture may cause hydrolysis
or other forms of decomposition. Caution should be exercised in treating a thiocyanate with an oxidizing agent such
as a peroxide or chlorate as such mixtures have been
known to explode
Waste Disposal
In accordance with 40CFR
165 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
