Sodium Cyanide Extra Pure

1. Basic Identification Attributes

• Chemical Name: Sodium Cyanide
  • CAS Number: 143-33-9
  • HS Code: 2837.19.00
  • Molecular Formula: NaCN
  • Synonyms:

• Cyanide of sodium
• Hydrocyanic acid, sodium salt
• White cyanide

2. Physical & Chemical Properties

Physical State: Solid (flakes, powder, or granules)
• Color & Odor: White, faint bitter almond odor (due to HCN vapors)
• Melting Point: ~563 °C
• Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
• Density/Specific Gravity: ~1.6 g/cm³
• Solubility:

• Readily soluble in water (48 g/100 mL at 25 °C)
• Slightly soluble in ethanol
  • pH Level: Alkaline in aqueous solution (pH ~11 for 1% solution)
  • Vapor Pressure & Volatility: Low, but emits toxic hydrogen cyanide gas on contact with acids or moisture
  • Flash Point: Not applicable
  • Autoignition Temperature: Not applicable
  • Viscosity: Not applicable

3. Safety & Hazard Attributes

Hazard Class (GHS Classification):

• Acute toxicity – oral, dermal, inhalation (Category 2)
• Specific target organ toxicity – repeated exposure (Category 2)
• Aquatic acute and chronic toxicity (Category 1)
  • NFPA Ratings:
• Health: 4
• Flammability: 0
• Reactivity: 2
  • Exposure Limits:
• OSHA PEL: 5 mg/m³ (as cyanide)
• ACGIH TLV: 5 mg/m³ (as cyanide)
  • Reactivity:
• Extremely reactive with acids (releases toxic HCN gas)
• Incompatible with oxidizers and moisture

4. Storage & Handling Attributes

Storage Conditions:

• Store in tightly sealed containers in a dry, well-ventilated area
• Use corrosion-resistant containers (e.g., polyethylene, steel)
  • Incompatible Materials:
• Acids (release of HCN gas)
• Moisture and oxidizing agents
  • Container Type:
• Sealed metal drums or approved safety containers
  • Shelf Life & Expiration Date:
• Stable if stored dry and airtight; monitor regularly for degradation
  • Special Handling Requirements:
• Only trained personnel should handle
• Use in fume hoods or enclosed systems

5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

Regulatory Status:

• Highly regulated under OSHA, EPA, REACH, and international chemical safety frameworks
• Classified as a restricted poison; transport requires special documentation
  • Transportation Restrictions:
• Classified as Toxic, Packing Group I
• UN Number: 1689
  • Waste Disposal Method:
• Must be treated via alkaline chlorination or hydrogen peroxide method
• Disposal by licensed hazardous waste contractor only

6. Environmental & Health Impact

Ecotoxicity:

• Extremely toxic to aquatic and terrestrial life
• Lethal at very low concentrations in water
  • Persistence in Environment:
• Degrades under alkaline chlorination or sunlight but may persist in anaerobic environments
  • Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity:
• Not classified as carcinogenic, but highly toxic
  • Biodegradability:
• Not biodegradable; must be chemically destroyed