Title: Potassium Cyanide
CAS Registry Number: 151-50-8
Molecular Formula: CKN
Molecular Weight: 65.12
Percent Composition: C 18.44%, K 60.04%, N 21.51%
Line Formula: KCN
Literature References: Article of commerce contains about 95% KCN. Toxicity study: Hayes, Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 11, 327 (1967). Review of toxicology and human exposure: Toxicological Profile for Cyanide (PB98-101207, 1997) 291 pp.
Properties: White, deliquesc, granular powder or fused pieces; odor of HCN. Violent poison! On exposure to air it is gradually dec by CO2 and moisture. d 1.52; mp 634°. Sol in 2 parts cold, 1 part boiling water, 2 parts glycerol, 100 parts alcohol, 25 parts methanol. The aq soln is strongly alkaline and rapidly dec. pH of 0.1N aq soln: 11.0. Keep tightly closed and protected from light. LD50 orally in rats: 10 mg/kg (Hayes).
Melting point: mp 634°
Density: d 1.52
Toxicity data: LD50 orally in rats: 10 mg/kg (Hayes)
CAUTION: Potential symptoms of overexposure are irritation of eyes, skin and upper respiratory system; weakness, headache and confusion; nausea, vomiting; increased rate of respiration; slow gasping respiration; asphyxia; thyroid and blood changes. See NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (DHHS/NIOSH 97-140, 1997) p 262.
Use: Extracting gold and silver from ores; electroplating baths; silver plating; case hardening steel by liquid nitriding; reagent in analytical chemistry. |