Sodium Cyanide

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Sodium Cyanide is a highly toxic, white crystalline compound used primarily in the mining industry for gold and silver extraction via cyanidation. It acts as a powerful chemical reagent and is employed in various industrial processes including metal plating, chemical synthesis, and organic chemistry. Due to its hazardous nature, strict handling and storage protocols are essential.

Description

Uses

Primary Uses

  • Mining Industry 
    • Used extensively for leaching gold and silver from ores in cyanidation processes. 
    • Facilitates metal recovery by forming soluble complexes with precious metals. 
  • Chemical Manufacturing 
    • Employed in the production of organic chemicals such as nitriles and cyanides. 
    • Used in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, dyes, and herbicides. 
  • Electroplating 
    • Acts as a source of cyanide ions for gold, silver, copper, and zinc plating baths. 
    • Enhances metal deposition quality and uniformity. 

 

Secondary Uses

  • Pest Control 
    • Used in fumigation and rodenticide applications in controlled environments. 
  • Laboratory Reagent 
    • Applied in analytical chemistry for specific tests and assays requiring cyanide ions.
PRODUCT KEY FEATURES

Basic Identification Attributes

  • Chemical Name (IUPAC): Sodium cyanide 
  • Common/Trade Name: Sodium Cyanide 
  • CAS Number: 143-33-9 
  • HS Code: 2836.20 
  • Synonyms: NaCN, Cyanide salt 

Physical & Chemical Properties

  • Physical State: White crystalline powder or granules 
  • Color & Odor: White; faint almond-like odor (due to hydrolysis) 
  • Solubility: Highly soluble in water 
  • Density: ~1.60 g/cm³ 
  • Melting Point: 564 °C (decomposes) 

 

Safety & Hazard Attributes

  • GHS Classification: Acute toxicity (fatal if swallowed or inhaled), hazardous to aquatic life 
  • Toxicity: Extremely toxic; exposure can be fatal 
  • Exposure Limits: Strict occupational exposure limits apply 

Storage & Handling Attributes

  • Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed, corrosion-resistant containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from acids and moisture 
  • Container Type: Supplied in sealed drums or bulk containers with inert gas blanket 
  • Shelf Life: Stable if stored properly, typically 1–2 years 
  • Handling Precautions: Use full PPE including respirators; avoid any contact with acids (release of HCN gas) 

 

Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

  • Subject to strict regulations due to high toxicity (OSHA, REACH, EPA) 
  • Transport and storage governed by hazardous materials guidelines 
  • Requires proper labeling and emergency response plans 

 

Environmental & Health Impact

  • Biodegradability: Not biodegradable; highly toxic to aquatic life 
  • Ecotoxicity: Very high aquatic toxicity; lethal to fish and invertebrates 
  • Bioaccumulation: Not significant but dangerous due to acute toxicity
SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

Safety Handling Precautions

  • PPE Required: Full protective clothing, chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and respiratory protection 
  • Handling Guidelines: Handle only in well-ventilated areas with emergency spill procedures in place 
  • Storage Measures: Keep containers tightly sealed and stored in a dry environment, away from acids and incompatible substances 

 

First Aid Measures

  • Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately; administer oxygen and seek urgent medical attention 
  • Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing; wash skin thoroughly with water; seek immediate medical help 
  • Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes; get emergency medical treatment 
  • Ingestion: Do NOT induce vomiting; seek immediate emergency medical care; antidotes such as hydroxocobalamin may be administered 

 

Firefighting Measures

  • Fire Hazards: May release toxic hydrogen cyanide gas when exposed to acids or fire 
  • Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, or COâ‚‚ 
  • Special Precautions: Firefighters must wear full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus 
  • Hazardous Combustion Products: Hydrogen cyanide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide