Sodium cyanide . The cyanide of sodium or sodium cyanide (NaCN) is the sodium salt of hydrocyanic acid (HCN), is a highly toxic chemical, also known as the sodium salt of hydrocyanic acid and cyanogran.
Summary
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- 1 Features
- 2 Main physical and chemical properties
- 3 Applications
- 4 Stability and reactivity of sodium cyanide
- 5 Handling and storage.
- 1 Personal protective equipment.
- 6 Measures to be taken in case of spills and / or leaks.
- 7 Information on health risks.
- 1 Acute health effects
- 2 Chronic health effects
- 8 Source
characteristics
It is a solid and colorless compound that easily hydrolyzes in the presence of water and carbon (IV) oxide to give sodium carbonate and hydrocyanic acid. It smells like bitter almonds, but not everyone can smell it due to a genetic trait.
- Chemical name:Sodium cyanide
- Formula:NaCN
- Synonyms:Sodium salt of hydrocyanic acid, white cyanide, soda prussium.
- Other names:Sodium cyanide.
- Related compounds:Hydrogen cyanide.
- Molecular formula:n / d.
Main physical and chemical properties
- Appearance and Color:Crystalline powder, deliquescent white.
- Odor:Odorless (when dry) or with a slight acidic odor (when wet).
- Vapor pressure:Not applicable.
- Relative density (water = 1):6
- Solubility in water:58 g / 100 ml at 20ºC
- Boiling point:1496ºC
- Melting point:564ºC
- Molecular Weight:0
- Aggregation Status:Solid Appearance Colorless
- Molar mass:01 g / mol
- Melting point:K (563.7 ° C)
- Boiling point:K (1496 ° C)
Applications
Sodium cyanide is used in the mining and metallurgical industry in:
- It is used as a solid or in solution to extract metallic minerals such as gold, silver and other metals.
- In electroplating.
- For metal cleaning baths.
- In the hardening of metals.
In addition to:
- It is used in developing photos
- Production of organic chemicals
- Manufacture of plastics.
- Boat fumigation.
Another application is as insecticides. It also serves as entomologists as a killing agent in collecting the jars.
Stability and reactivity of sodium cyanide
The substance decomposes on burning, producing toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides. The substance is a strong base. It reacts violently with acids and is corrosive to metals such as aluminum and zinc. Reacts violently with strong oxidants such as nitrates and chlorine compounds, creating a fire and explosion hazard.
The substance decomposes in the presence of air, moisture, or carbon dioxide , producing highly toxic and flammable hydrogen cyanide fumes.
Handling and storage.
Handling conditions:
- Avoid all contact
- Avoid the flames
- Do not produce sparks and DO NOT smoke
- Do not contact strong oxidizers.
- Never work alone in an area where there is possible exposure to hydrocyanic acid.
Storage conditions:
- Separated from strong oxidants, acids, food and feed, carbon dioxide, water or products containing water
- Keep in a dry, well closed and well ventilated place.
Personal protective equipment.
During the handling of sodium cyanide, direct contact with the product must be avoided, so the following means of protection must be used:
Respiratory protection: Closed system and ventilation. Respiratory protection. Hand protection: Protective gloves are recommended. Eye protection: Tight safety glasses. Face shield or eye protection combined with respiratory protection, if it is dust. Body protection : Protective suit. Safety facilities: Eyewash
Measures to be taken in case of spills and / or leaks.
- Personal precautions:full protective suit including self-contained breathing apparatus.
- Environmental precautions:This substance can be dangerous for the environment; Special attention should be given to fish. It is strongly advised to prevent the chemical from entering the environment.
- Cleaning methods:Consult an expert. Sweep up the spilled substance and put it in a container, sealable and labeled, carefully neutralize the residue with water containing an alkaline substance such as sodium carbonate, then remove it with plenty of water. Cyanide spills should be cleaned up immediately.
Information on health risks.
Acute health effects
The following acute (short-term) health effects can occur immediately or shortly after exposure to Sodium Cyanide:
Contact can irritate the skin and eyes.
Breathing sodium cyanide can irritate the nose, throat, and lungs, causing coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath. High exposure can cause headache, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, and even loss of consciousness and death.
Chronic health effects
The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Sodium Cyanide and can last for months or years:
Reproductive Hazard
There is limited evidence that sodium cyanide is a teratogen in animals. Until further testing is performed, it should be handled as a potential human teratogen.
Other long-term effects
Sodium cyanide may cause an enlarged thyroid gland and interfere with normal thyroid function. Exposure can cause damage to the nervous system and changes in the blood cell count. Repeated exposures can cause discharge, bleeding and injury to the nose.
