NTP CHEMICAL REPOSITORY (RADIAN CORPORATION, AUGUST 29, 1991)
IDENTIFIERS
CATALOG ID NUMBER: 002146
CAS NUMBER: 143-33-9
BASE CHEMICAL NAME: SODIUMCYANIDE
PRIMARY NAME: SODIUM CYANIDE
CHEMICAL FORMULA: CNNa
STRUCTURAL FORMULA: NaCN
WLN: .NA..CN
SYNONYMS:
CYANOGRAN
CYANIDE OF SODIUM
HYDROCYANIC ACID, SODIUM SALT
CYANOBRIK
CYMAG
RCRA WASTE NUMBER P106
UN 1689
PHYSICAL CHEMICAL DATA
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: LITERATURE: White, deliquescent, crystalline powder
REPOSITORY: White powder
MOLECULAR WEIGHT: 49.01
SPECIFIC GRAVITY: 1.6 [058,102]
DENSITY: 1.60 g/mL @ 25 C [371]
MP (DEG C): 563.7 C [016,043,269,275]
BP (DEG C): 1496 C [016,043,058,430]
SOLUBILITIES:
WATER : >=100 mg/mL @ 20 C (RAD)
DMSO : 1-5 mg/mL @ 20 C (RAD)
95% ETHANOL : 5-10 mg/mL @ 20 C (RAD)
METHANOL : Not available
ACETONE : <1 mg/mL @ 20 C (RAD)
TOLUENE : Not available
OTHER SOLVENTS:
Alcohol: Slightly soluble [016,033,062,295]
Ammonia: Soluble [016]
VOLATILITY:
Vapor pressure: ~0 mm Hg @ 20 C [102,421]; 0.76 mm Hg @ 800 C [051]
Vapor density : Not available
FLAMMABILITY(FLASH POINT):
Literature sources indicate that this chemical is nonflammable [051,
058,371]. Fires involving this material can be controlled with a dry chemical
or Halon extinguisher. A water spray may also be used [051]. DO NOT use
carbon dioxide on this material [058,269].
UEL: Not available LEL: Not available
REACTIVITY:
This chemical reacts with acids, releasing a highly flammable and
toxic gas [036,043,058,451]. It is incompatible with strong oxidizers
[051,058,269,346]. This includes nitrates, chlorates and acid salts [346].
It explodes if melted with nitrite or chlorate at about 450 C [043,451].
Carbon monoxide from the air is sufficiently acidic to liberate toxic gas
on contact with this compound [043]. It undergoes a mild reaction with
water or steam [043,051,371]. Weak alkaline solutions can produce dangerous
gases [058]. This chemical undergoes violent reactions with fluorine,
magnesium and nitric acid [043]. A reaction with ethyl chloroacetate (upon
heating) may erupt suddenly [051,066]. Aqueous solutions readily dissolve
gold and silver in the presence of air [033].
STABILITY:
This chemical is very stable when dry [058]. It will decompose on
exposure to moisture [043,058,269]. It is also sensitive to heat [043].
Aqueous solutions are strongly alkaline and rapidly decompose [033,062].
Solutions of this chemical in water (at pH greater than or equal to 7),
DMSO, 95% ethanol or acetone should be stable for 24 hours under normal
lab conditions (RAD).
OTHER PHYSICAL DATA:
Odorless when dry [033,051,058,371]
Faint almond odor in damp air [102,346,371,421]
Somewhat deliquescent in damp air [033]
Vapor pressure: 1 mm Hg @ 817 C [043,430]; 10 mm Hg @ 983 C [430]
Vapor pressure: 3.34 mm Hg @ 900 C; 36 mm Hg @ 1000 C [051]
Vapor pressure: 100 mm Hg @ 1214 C [051]
Sinks and mixes with water [371]
Heat of fusion: 88.9 cal/g [371]
pH: 11.13-11.7 [058]
Refractive index: 1.452 [016,205]
TOXICITY
NIOSH REGISTRY NUMBER: VZ7525000
TOXICITY:
typ. dose mode specie amount units other
LD50 ims rbt 1666 ug/kg
LD50 ipr mus 5881 ug/kg
LD50 ipr rat 4300 ug/kg
LDLo ivn dog 1300 ug/kg
LD50 ocu rbt 5048 ug/kg
LD50 orl dom 4 mg/kg
LDLo orl hmn 2857 ug/kg
LDLo orl man 6557 ug/kg
TDLo orl man 714 ug/kg
LD50 orl rat 6440 ug/kg
LDLo par frg 60 mg/kg
LDLo scu dog 6 mg/kg
LD50 scu gpg 5800 ug/kg
LD50 scu mus 3600 ug/kg
LDLo scu rbt 2200 ug/kg
LDLo unr man 2206 ug/kg
LD50 unr mus 10 mg/kg
LD50 orl bwd 4 mg/kg
LD50 orl ckn 21 mg/kg
LD50 orl qal 8500 ug/kg
AQTX/TLM96: Not available
SAX TOXICITY EVALUATION:
THR: A deadly human poison by ingestion and possibly other routes. A
deadly experimental poison by ingestion, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous,
intravenous, parenteral, intramuscular and ocular routes. An experi-
mental teratogen. Human systemic effects by ingestion. Experimental
reproductive effects. The volatile cyanides resemble hydrocyanic acid
physiologically, inhibiting tissue oxidation and causing death through
asphyxia. Cyanogen is probably as toxic as hydrocyanic acid and the
nitriles are generally considered somewhat less toxic, probably because
of their lower volatility. The nonvolatile cyanide salts appear to be
relatively nonhazardous systemically, so long as they are not ingested
and care is taken to prevent formation of hydrocyanic acid. Workers,
such as electroplaters and picklers, who are daily exposed to cyanide
solutions may develop a "cyanide" rash, characterized by itching and by
macular, papular and vesicular eruptions. Frequently there is secondary
infection.
CARCINOGENICITY:
Status: NTP Carcinogenesis Studies; on test (prechronic studies), July 1989
MUTATION DATA: Not available
TERATOGENICITY: See RTECS printout for data
STANDARDS, REGULATIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS:
OSHA: Federal Register (1/19/89) and 29 CFR 1910.1000 Subpart Z
Transitional Limit: PEL-TWA 5 mg/m3 (cyanides) [610]
Final Limit: PEL-TWA 5 mg/m3 (cyanides) [610]
ACGIH: TLV-TWA 5 mg/m3 (cyanides) [610]
NIOSH Criteria Document: Recommended exposure limit to this compound-air:
Ceiling Limit 5 mg(CN)/m3/10M [015,610]
NFPA Hazard Rating: Health (H): 3
Flammability (F): 0
Reactivity (R): 0
H3: Materials extremely hazardous to health but areas may be entered
with extreme care (see NFPA for details).
F0: Materials that will not burn (see NFPA for details).
R0: Materials which are normally stable even under fire exposure conditions
and which are not reactive with water (see NFPA for details).
OTHER TOXICITY DATA:
Review: Toxicology Review
Standards and Regulations: DOT-Hazard: Poison B; Label: Poison
Status: EPA TSCA Chemical Inventory, 1986
EPA TSCA Test Submission (TSCATS) Data Base, January 1990
NIOSH Analytical Methods: see Cyanides, 7904
Fatal dose for man by ingestion: ~0.2 gm [051]
IDLH value: 50 mg/m3 [346,371]
OTHER DATA (Regulatory)
PROPER SHIPPING NAME (IATA): Sodium cyanide
UN/ID NUMBER: UN1689
HAZARD CLASS: 6.1 SUBSIDIARY RISK: None PACKING GROUP: I
LABELS REQUIRED: Poison
PACKAGING: PASSENGER: PKG. INSTR.: 606 MAXIMUM QUANTITY: 5 kg
CARGO : PKG. INSTR.: 607 MAXIMUM QUANTITY: 50 kg
SPECIAL PROVISIONS: None
USES:
This compound is used in extracting gold and silver from ores, in electro-
plating baths, in fumigating citrus and other fruit trees, ships, railway cars
and warehouses, in the manufacture of hydrocyanic acid and many other cyanides,
and in the case-hardening of steel. It is also used in insecticides, in clean-
ing metals, in the manufacture of dyes and pigments, in nylon intermediates,
in chelating compounds, in ore flotation, in rodenticides, in metal polishes
(especially silver polish), in metallurgical and photographic processes, and in
fumigating rabbit burrows and rat runs.
COMMENTS: Not available
HANDLING PROCEDURES
ACUTE/CHRONIC HAZARDS:
This chemical is extremely toxic by ingestion, inhalation and skin
absorption [036,269,295,371]. It is readily absorbed through the skin [036,
051,058,371]. It is an irritant of the skin, eyes and respiratory tract
[269,346]. It is also corrosive to skin [051,151]. On contact with acids or
when heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of carbon monoxide, carbon
dioxide, nitrogen oxides and hydrogen cyanide [036,043,058,269].
MINIMUM PROTECTIVE CLOTHING:
If Tyvek-type disposable protective clothing is not worn during
handling of this chemical, wear disposable Tyvek-type sleeves taped to
your gloves.
RECOMMENDED GLOVE MATERIALS:
Permeation Test Results For The Neat (Undiluted) Chemical:
The permeation test results for the neat (undiluted) chemical are given
below. The breakthrough times of this chemical are given for each glove type
tested. The table is a presentation of actual test results, not specific
recommendations or suggestions. Avoid glove types which exhibit breakthrough
times of less than the anticipated task time plus an adequate safety factor.
If this chemical makes direct contact with your glove, or if a tear, puncture
or hole develops, replace them at once.
Glove Type Model Number Thickness Breakthrough Time
Neoprene Edmont 29-870 0.46 mm 480 min
Nitrile Edmont 37-175 0.38 mm 480 min
PVC Edmont 34-100 0.18 mm 480 min
Latex Ansell 4106 0.13 mm 480 min
RECOMMENDED RESPIRATOR:
Where the neat test chemical is weighed and diluted, wear a NIOSH-
approved half face respirator equipped with an organic vapor/acid gas
cartridge (specific for organic vapors, HCl, acid gas and SO2) with a
dust/mist filter.
Splash proof safety goggles should be worn while handling this
chemical. Alternatively, a full face respirator, equipped as above,
may be used to provide simultaneous eye and respiratory protection.
OTHER: Not available
STORAGE PRECAUTIONS:
You should keep this material in a tightly closed container
under an inert atmosphere, and store it at refrigerated temperatures.
SPILLS AND LEAKAGE:
If you spill this chemical, dampen the solid spill material with 5%
ammonium hydroxide, then transfer the dampened material to a suitable
container. Use absorbent paper dampened with 5% ammonium hydroxide to pick
up any remaining material. Your contaminated clothing and the absorbent
paper should be sealed in a vapor-tight plastic bag for eventual disposal.
Wash all contaminated surfaces with 5% ammonium hydroxide followed by washing
with a soap and water solution. Do not reenter the contaminated area
until the Safety Officer (or other responsible person) has verified that the
area has been properly cleaned.
DISPOSAL AND WASTE TREATMENT: Not available
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
SKIN CONTACT:
IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating
all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly
with soap and water.
IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center even if no symptoms
(such as redness or irritation) develop.
IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital for treatment after
washing the affected areas.
INHALATION:
IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air.
IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a
hospital even if no symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath,
or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop.
Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown
atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or
equal to that advised under Respirator Recommendation.
EYE CONTACT:
First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush
victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while
simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center.
Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without
specific instructions from a physician.
IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if
no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.
INGESTION:
CYANIDES ARE EXTREMELY TOXIC AND FAST-ACTING POISONS. Even though the
induction of vomiting is not usually recommended outside of a physician's care,
if the victim is conscious and not convulsing, it may be worth the risk if a
cyanide has been ingested. Ipecac syrup or salt water may be used to induce
vomiting in such an emergency. IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control
center and transport the victim to a hospital.
If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth,
assure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with
the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport
the victim to a hospital.
SYMPTOMS:
Symptoms of exposure to this compound include hallucinations, distorted
perceptions, muscle weakness and gastritis [043]. Other symptoms include
cyanosis and irritation of skin, eyes and lungs [269]. Eye contact may cause
burns [058,371]. Skin contact may result in corrosion [051,151]. It may also
result in deep ulcers, severe irritation, pain and second degree burns [371].
Symptoms of exposure to this class of compounds include weakness, head-
ache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, unconsciousness and death [036,058,102].
Other symptoms include heaviness of the arms and legs, increased difficulty
in breathing, pallor and cessation of breathing [036]. It can cause dilated
pupils, transient blindness, central retinal edema, convulsions, hemianopia,
optic neuropathies and optic neuritis [099]. It can also cause asphyxia, a
rash characterized by itching and by macular, papular and vesicular eruptions,
secondary infection, loss of appetite and irritation of the upper respiratory
tract [043]. Exposure can lead to central nervous system stimulation followed
by central nervous system depression, cardiac irregularities including brady-
cardia, respiratory arrest, bitter, acrid and burning taste, feeling of con-
striction or numbness in the throat, salivation, anxiety, confusion, vertigo,
giddiness, sensation of stiffness in the lower jaw, hyperpnea, dyspnea, rapid
respirations which then become slow and irregular, short inspiration with
prolonged expiration, odor of bitter almonds on the breath or vomitus, rise
in blood pressure, reflex slowing of the heart rate, rapid, weak and irregular
pulse, palpitations, sensation of constriction in the chest, bright pink
coloration of the skin, opisthotonus, trismus, involuntary micturition and
defecation, paralysis, sweating, protruding eyeballs, unreactive pupils and
foam-covered mouth (sometime blood-stained) indicating pulmonary edema. The
skin may also be brick red [151]. Exposure may also lead to blood pressure
fall, coma, flushing, drowsiness, hoarseness, conjunctivitis, weight loss
and mental deterioration [301]. Other symptoms include collapse and nervous-
ness [173]. Inhalation may lead to nosebleed and nasal ulceration [421].
Staggering, hypotension and tachycardia may occur [295]. Other symptoms may
include tearing, blurred vision and possible permanent eye damage [058].
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