Title: Sodium Cyanide
CAS Registry Number: 143-33-9
Additional Names: Cyanogran
Molecular Formula: CNNa
Molecular Weight: 49.01
Percent Composition: C 24.51%, N 28.58%, Na 46.91%
Line Formula: NaCN
Literature References: This cyanide of commerce is 95-98% pure. Mixtures of sodium cyanide with sodium chloride or carbonate for special uses are also marketed. Toxicity study: Smyth et al., Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J. 30, 470 (1969). Review of toxicology and human exposure: Toxicological Profile for Cyanide (PB98-101207, 1997) 291 pp.
Properties: White granules or fused pieces. Violent poison! Odorless when perfectly dry; somewhat deliquesc in damp air and emits slight odor of HCN. mp 563°. Freely sol in water, slightly in alcohol. The aq soln is strongly alkaline and rapidly decomposes; the soln readily dissolves gold and silver in presence of air. Keep well closed. LD50 orally in rats: 15 mg/kg (Smyth).
Melting point: mp 563°
Toxicity data: LD50 orally in rats: 15 mg/kg (Smyth)
CAUTION: Potential symptoms of overexposure are irritation of eyes and skin; 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 282.
Use: Extracting gold and silver from ores; electroplating baths; case hardening steel by liquid nitriding; manuf hydrocyanic acid and other cyanides. |