potassium cyanide

NOUN: An extremely poisonous white compound, KCN, used in the extraction of gold and silver from ores, in electroplating, and in photography, and as a fumigant and insecticide.

Trade Name and Synonyms: Potassium Cyanide
Chemical Name and Synonyms: Potassium Cyanide
Chemical Family: Inorganic metal salt
Formula: KCN CAS #: 151-50-8

Hazardous Ingredients

Component: @ Potassium Cyanide (@ Identifies chemicals listed under SARA Section 313 for release reporting)
CAS Number: 151-50-8
OSHA PEL: 5 mg/m³ IDLH: 25 mg/m³

Health Hazard Data

Primary Routes of Entry: Inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin or eye contact.

Symptoms of Overexposure:
Skin; Weakness, headache, confusion or nausea.
Eyes; Slow gasping respiration, thyroid and blood changes.
Inhalation; Irritated eyes and skin, asphyxia.
Ingestion; Vomiting, increased respiratory rate.

First Aid Procedures:
Skin; Wash with soap immediately, remove contaminated clothing.
Eyes; Irrigate immediately.
Inhalation; Remove to fresh air, oxygen support as needed.
Ingestion; Medical attention immediately.

Special Protection Information

Protective Clothing: Rubber gloves and aprons as necessary to avoid skin contact.
Eye Protection: Goggles or safety glasses.
Respiratory Protection: Supplied air respirators in emergency situations, respirators if in danger of breathing the dusts.
Ventilation: Use in a well ventilated area.

Physical Data

Boiling Point: N/A
Solubility in Water: 0% by weight
Evaporation Rate: N//A
Vapor Pressure: N/A % Volatiles by Volume: N/A
pH (as is): N/A
Vapor Density: N/A
Specific Gravity: 1.85
pH (1% solution): N/A
Appearance and Odor: White odorless powder

Fire and Explosion Data

Flash Point: N/A Flammable Limits: LEL; N/A UEL; N/A
Extinguishing Media: Water
Special Fire Fighting: Do not allow cyanide solutions to drain into sewers or drains.
Unusual Fire Hazards: N/A

Reactivity Data

Stability: Stable
Polymerization: Won’t occur
Incompatibility: Acids
Hazardous Decomposition: When mixed with acid hydrogen cyanide gas is formed.

Spill and Disposal Procedures

Release or Spill Responses: If dry, keep it so, if wet, do not flush cyanides into drains or sewers
Waste Disposal Method: Contact Federal, State and Local authorities.
Neutralizing Chemicals: Hypochlorites

Special Precautions

Do not allow cyanides to drain into sewers or drains. If dry, keep it so to avoid difficulties in clean up. Avoid mixing with acids, lethal hydrogen cyanide gas will be created. Always have a cyanide antidote kit available.



with help from:
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by the Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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