Sodium Cyanide Extra Pure
Sodium Cyanide Extra Pure is a highly toxic, white crystalline compound primarily used in metallurgy, chemical synthesis, and laboratory applications. Its reactivity and solubility make it ideal for gold leaching and chemical analysis. Due to its extreme toxicity, sodium cyanide must be stored and handled with strict safety controls, including personal protective equipment, fume hoods, and emergency antidotes. It is regulated as a hazardous substance under numerous international frameworks and is classified as a controlled chemical requiring licensed handling.
Sodium Cyanide Extra Pure
PRIMARY USES
Analytical Reagent & Laboratory Applications:
• Used in qualitative inorganic analysis for detection of certain metal ions (e.g., silver, copper)
• Serves as a complexing agent in various titrations and precipitation reactions
• Applied in synthesis of coordination compounds in research labs
Mining & Metallurgy:
• Essential in gold and silver extraction through cyanidation (leaching process)
• Used in electroplating baths for precious and non-precious metals
• Acts as a flotation agent in ore refining for selective separation of minerals
Chemical Manufacturing:
• Intermediate in the synthesis of organic nitriles, dyes, and agrochemicals
• Used in the production of chelating agents and synthetic rubber
• Applied in the manufacture of cyanogen compounds
SECONDARY USES
Pharmaceutical & Agrochemical Industry (controlled applications):
• Occasionally used in synthesis of pharmaceutical intermediates and pesticides
• Employed in research for enzyme inhibition studies and biochemical applications
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
• Wear full chemical-resistant suit and gloves (e.g., nitrile or neoprene)
• Use chemical safety goggles and full face shield
• Use certified respirator or SCBA in areas with possible airborne contamination
• Ensure eyewash stations and safety showers are available nearby
Handling:
• Handle in a closed system or fume hood
• Avoid contact with acids, moisture, and open containers
• Keep away from food and drink
• Never work alone when handling cyanide compounds
Storage:
• Store in cool, dry, secure, well-labeled area with restricted access
• Keep away from incompatible substances
• Use secondary containment to prevent leaks
FIRST AID MEASURES
Inhalation:
• Move to fresh air immediately
• Administer 100% oxygen
• Seek emergency medical attention
• Antidote: Hydroxocobalamin or sodium thiosulfate with sodium nitrite
Skin Contact:
• Remove contaminated clothing immediately
• Wash with copious water and soap for at least 15 minutes
• Seek immediate medical attention
Eye Contact:
• Rinse eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes
• Keep eyelids open
• Seek emergency medical help
Ingestion:
• Rinse mouth (do not induce vomiting)
• Administer activated charcoal if advised by poison control
• Immediate medical attention is critical
FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
Flammability:
• Not flammable
Extinguishing Media:
• Use dry chemical, CO₂, or foam (avoid water if cyanide is uncontained)
Hazardous Combustion Products:
• Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and nitrogen oxides
Firefighter Protection:
• Wear full protective gear and SCBA
• Avoid inhalation of toxic decomposition gases