Material Safety Data Sheet

Sodium Cyanide MSDS

Section 1: Chemical Product and Company Identification

Product Name: Sodium Cyanide Contact Information:

Catalog Codes: SLS2314, SLS3736 Sciencelab.com, Inc.

14025 Smith Rd.
CAS#: 143-33-9 Houston, Texas 77396
US Sales: 1-800-901-7247
RTECS: VZ7525000
International Sales: 1-281-441-4400
TSCA: TSCA 8(b) inventory: Sodium Cyanide Order Online: ScienceLab.com
CI#: Not available. CHEMTREC (24HR Emergency Telephone), call:
1-800-424-9300
Synonym:
International CHEMTREC, call: 1-703-527-3887
Chemical Name: Sodium Cyanide
For non-emergency assistance, call: 1-281-441-4400
Chemical Formula: NaCN

Section 2: Composition and Information on Ingredients

Composition:
Name CAS # % by Weight
Sodium Cyanide 143-33-9 100

Toxicological Data on Ingredients: Sodium Cyanide: ORAL (LD50): Acute: 6.44 mg/kg [Rat]. DERMAL (LD50): Acute: 10.4
mg/kg [Rabbit].

Section 3: Hazards Identification

Potential Acute Health Effects:
Very hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of eye contact (irritant), of ingestion, of inhalation. Hazardous in
case of skin contact (permeator). Corrosive to eyes and skin. The amount of tissue damage depends on length
of contact. Eye contact can result in corneal damage or blindness. Skin contact can produce inflammation and
blistering. Inhalation of dust will produce irritation to gastro-intestinal or respiratory tract, characterized by burning,
sneezing and coughing. Severe over-exposure can produce lung damage, choking, unconsciousness or death.
Inflammation of the eye is characterized by redness, watering, and itching. Skin inflammation is characterized by
itching, scaling, reddening, or, occasionally, blistering.

Potential Chronic Health Effects:

CARCINOGENIC EFFECTS: Not available.
MUTAGENIC EFFECTS: Not available.
TERATOGENIC EFFECTS: Not available.
DEVELOPMENTAL TOXICITY: Not available.

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The substance may be toxic to skin, eyes, central nervous system (CNS).
Repeated or prolonged exposure to the substance can produce target organs damage. Repeated exposure of the
eyes to a low level of dust can produce eye irritation. Repeated skin exposure can produce local skin destruction,
or dermatitis. Repeated inhalation of dust can produce varying degree of respiratory irritation or lung damage.
Repeated exposure to a highly toxic material may produce general deterioration of health by an accumulation in
one or many human organs.

Section 4: First Aid Measures

Eye Contact:
Check for and remove any contact lenses. In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at
least 15 minutes. Cold water may be used. Get medical attention immediately.

Skin Contact:
In case of contact, immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated
clothing and shoes. Cover the irritated skin with an emollient. Cold water may be used.Wash clothing before
reuse. Thoroughly clean shoes before reuse. Get medical attention immediately.

Serious Skin Contact:

Wash with a disinfectant soap and cover the contaminated skin with an anti-bacterial cream. Seek immediate
medical attention.

Inhalation:
If inhaled, remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get
medical attention.

Serious Inhalation:
Evacuate the victim to a safe area as soon as possible. Loosen tight clothing such as a collar, tie, belt or
waistband. If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen. If the victim is not breathing, perform mouth-to-mouth
resuscitation. WARNING: It may be hazardous to the person providing aid to give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation
when the inhaled material is toxic, infectious or corrosive. Seek immediate medical attention.

Ingestion:
If swallowed, do not induce vomiting unless directed to do so by medical personnel. Never give anything by
mouth to an unconscious person. Loosen tight clothing such as a collar, tie, belt or waistband. Get medical
attention immediately.

Serious Ingestion: Not available.

Section 5: Fire and Explosion Data

Flammability of the Product: May be combustible at high temperature.

Auto-Ignition Temperature: Not available.

Flash Points: Not available.

Flammable Limits: Not available.

Products of Combustion: Some metallic oxides.

Fire Hazards in Presence of Various Substances: Slightly flammable to flammable in presence of acids, of moisture.

Explosion Hazards in Presence of Various Substances:

Risks of explosion of the product in presence of mechanical impact: Not available.
Risks of explosion of the product in presence of static discharge: Not available.

Fire Fighting Media and Instructions:

SMALL FIRE: Use DRY chemical powder.

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LARGE FIRE: Use water spray, fog or foam. Do not use water jet.

Special Remarks on Fire Hazards:

Dangerous on contact with acids, acid fumes, water or stream. It will produce toxic and flammable vapors of
CN-H and sodium oxide.
Contact with acids and acid salts causes immediate formation of toxic and flammable hydrogen cyanide gas.
When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes hydgrogen cyanide and oxides of nitrogen

Special Remarks on Explosion Hazards: Fusion mixtures of metal cyanides with metal chlorates, perchlorated or nitrates
causes a violent explosion

Section 6: Accidental Release Measures

Small Spill: Use appropriate tools to put the spilled solid in a convenient waste disposal container.

Large Spill:
Corrosive solid. Poisonous solid.
Stop leak if without risk. Do not get water inside container. Do not touch spilled material. Use water spray to
reduce vapors. Prevent entry into sewers, basements or confined areas; dike if needed. Eliminate all ignition
sources. Call for assistance on disposal. Be careful that the product is not present at a concentration level above
TLV. Check TLV on the MSDS and with local authorities.

Section 7: Handling and Storage

Precautions:
Keep locked up.. Keep container dry. Keep away from heat. Keep away from sources of ignition. Empty
containers pose a fire risk, evaporate the residue under a fume hood. Ground all equipment containing material.
Do not ingest. Do not breathe dust. Never add water to this product. In case of insufficient ventilation, wear
suitable respiratory equipment. If ingested, seek medical advice immediately and show the container or the label.
Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Keep away from incompatibles such as oxidizing agents, acids, moisture.

Storage: Keep container tightly closed. Keep container in a cool, well-ventilated area. Do not store above 24°C (75.2°F).

Section 8: Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Engineering Controls:
Use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation, or other engineering controls to keep airborne levels below
recommended exposure limits. If user operations generate dust, fume or mist, use ventilation to keep exposure to
airborne contaminants below the exposure limit.

Personal Protection:
Splash goggles. Synthetic apron. Vapor and dust respirator. Be sure to use an approved/certified respirator or
equivalent. Gloves.

Personal Protection in Case of a Large Spill:

Splash goggles. Full suit. Vapor and dust respirator. Boots. Gloves. A self contained breathing apparatus
should be used to avoid inhalation of the product. Suggested protective clothing might not be sufficient; consult a
specialist BEFORE handling this product.

Exposure Limits:
STEL: 5 (mg/m3) from ACGIH (TLV) [United States] SKIN
CEIL: 4.7 from NIOSH
CEIL: 5 (mg/m3) from NIOSHConsult local authorities for acceptable exposure limits.

Section 9: Physical and Chemical Properties

Physical state and appearance: Solid. (Granular solid. Flakes solid.)

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Odor:
Faint almond-like odor.
Odorless when perfectly dry. Emits odor of
hydrogen cyanide when damp.

Taste: Not available.

Molecular Weight: 49.01 g/mole

Color: White.

pH (1% soln/water): Not available.

Boiling Point: 1496°C (2724.8°F)

Melting Point: 563°C (1045.4°F)

Critical Temperature: Not available.

Specific Gravity: 1.595 (Water = 1)

Vapor Pressure: Not applicable.

Vapor Density: Vapor Density of Hydrogen Cyanide gas: 0.941

Volatility: Not available.

Odor Threshold: Not available.

Water/Oil Dist. Coeff.: Not available.

Ionicity (in Water): Not available.

Dispersion Properties: See solubility in water.

Solubility:
Soluble in cold water.
Slightly soluble in Ethanol

Section 10: Stability and Reactivity Data

Stability: The product is stable.

Instability Temperature: Not available.

Conditions of Instability: Excess heat, moisture, incompatibles.

Incompatibility with various substances: Reactive with oxidizing agents, acids, moisture.

Corrosivity:
Corrosive in presence of aluminum.
Non-corrosive in presence of glass.

Special Remarks on Reactivity:

Violent reaction with fluorine gas, magnesium, nitrates, nitric acid.
Dangerous on contact with acids, acid fumes, water or stream. It wil produce toxic and flammable vapors of
CN-H and sodium oxide.
Cyanide may react with CO2 in ordinary air to form toxic hydrogen cyanide gas.
Strong oxidizers such as acids, acid salts, chlorates, and nitrates.
Contact with acids and acid salts causes immediate formation of toxic and flammable hydrogen cyanide gas.

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Special Remarks on Corrosivity: Corrosive to aluminum

Polymerization: Will not occur.

Section 11: Toxicological Information

Routes of Entry: Absorbed through skin. Dermal contact. Eye contact. Inhalation. Ingestion.

Toxicity to Animals:
Acute oral toxicity (LD50): 6.44 mg/kg [Rat].
Acute dermal toxicity (LD50): 10.4 mg/kg [Rabbit].

Chronic Effects on Humans: May cause damage to the following organs: skin, eyes, central nervous system (CNS).

Other Toxic Effects on Humans:

Very hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of ingestion, of inhalation.
Hazardous in case of skin contact (permeator).

Special Remarks on Toxicity to Animals: Not available.

Special Remarks on Chronic Effects on Humans: May cause adverse reproductive effects (maternal and paternal fertility)
based on animal data.

Special Remarks on other Toxic Effects on Humans:

Acute Potential Health effects:
Skin: May cause itching and irritation. May be fatal if absorbed through injured skin with symtpoms similar to
those noted for inhalation and ingestion.
Eyes: May cause eye irritation and eye damage.
Inhalation: May cause respiratory tract irritation. May be fatal if inhaled. The substance inhibits cellular
respiration causing metabolic asphyxiation. May cause headache, weakness, dizziness, labored breathing,
nausea, vomiting. May be followed by cardiovascular effects, unconciousness, convulsions, coma, and death
Ingestion: May be fatal if swallowed. May cause gastrointestinal tract irritation with nausea, vomiting. May affect
behavior and nervous systems(seizures, convulsions, change in motor activity, headache, dizziness, confusion,
weakness stupor, aniexity, agitation, tremors), cardiovascular system, respiration (hyperventilation, pulmonary
edema, breathing difficulty, respiratory failure), cardiovascular system (palpitations, rapid heart beat, hypertension,
hypotension). Massive doses by produce sudden loss of conciousness and prompt death from respiratory arrest.
Smaller but still lethal doses
on the breath or vomitus.
Chronic Potential Health Effects:
Central Nervous system effects (headaches, vertigo, insomnia, memory loss, tremors, fatigue), fatigue, metabolic
effects (poor appetite), cardiovascular effects (chest discomfort, palpitations), nerve damage to the eyes, or
dermatitis, respiratory tract irritation, eye irritation, or death can occur.
may prolong the illness for 1 or more hours. A bitter almond odor may be noted

Section 12: Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Not available.

BOD5 and COD: Not available.

Products of Biodegradation:
Possibly hazardous short term degradation products are not likely. However, long term degradation products may
arise.

Toxicity of the Products of Biodegradation: The products of degradation are less toxic than the product itself.

Special Remarks on the Products of Biodegradation: Not available.

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 Section 13: Disposal Considerations
Waste Disposal:
Waste must be disposed of in accordance with federal, state and local environmental
control regulations.

Section 14: Transport Information

DOT Classification: CLASS 6.1: Poisonous material.

Identification: : Sodium cyanide UNNA: 1689 PG: I

Special Provisions for Transport: Marine Pollutant

Section 15: Other Regulatory Information

Federal and State Regulations:
Connecticut carcinogen reporting list.: Sodium Cyanide
Illinois chemical safety act: Sodium Cyanide
New York release reporting list: Sodium Cyanide
Rhode Island RTK hazardous substances: Sodium Cyanide
Pennsylvania RTK: Sodium Cyanide
Minnesota: Sodium Cyanide
Massachusetts RTK: Sodium Cyanide
Massachusetts spill list: Sodium Cyanide
New Jersey: Sodium Cyanide
New Jersey spill list: Sodium Cyanide
Louisiana RTK reporting list: Sodium Cyanide
Louisiana spill reporting: Sodium Cyanide
California Director's List of Hazardous Substances: Sodium Cyanide
TSCA 8(b) inventory: Sodium Cyanide
TSCA 4(a) final test rules: Sodium Cyanide
TSCA 8(a) PAIR: Sodium Cyanide
TSCA 8(d) H and S data reporting: Sodium Cyanide
TSCA 12(b) one time export: Sodium Cyanide
SARA 302/304/311/312 extremely hazardous substances: Sodium Cyanide
CERCLA: Hazardous substances.: Sodium Cyanide: 10 lbs. (4.536 kg)

Other Regulations:
OSHA: Hazardous by definition of Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200).
EINECS: This product is on the European Inventory of Existing Commercial Chemical Substances.

Other Classifications:

WHMIS (Canada):
CLASS B-6: Reactive and very flammable material.
CLASS D-1A: Material causing immediate and serious toxic effects (VERY TOXIC).
CLASS E: Corrosive solid.

DSCL (EEC):
R27/28- Very toxic in contact with skin
and if swallowed.
R41- Risk of serious damage to eyes.
S1/2- Keep locked up and out of the reach of
children.
S26- In case of contact with eyes, rinse
immediately with plenty of water and seek
medical advice.
S28- After contact with skin, wash immediately

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with plenty of water
S36/37- Wear suitable protective clothing and
gloves.
S39- Wear eye/face protection.
S45- In case of accident or if you feel unwell,
seek medical advice immediately (show the
label where possible).
S46- If swallowed, seek medical advice
immediately and show this container or label.

HMIS (U.S.A.):

Health Hazard: 3

Fire Hazard: 1

Reactivity: 0

Personal Protection: j

National Fire Protection Association (U.S.A.):

Health: 3

Flammability: 0

Reactivity: 0

Specific hazard:

Protective Equipment:
Gloves.
Synthetic apron.
Vapor and dust respirator. Be sure to
use an approved/certified respirator or
equivalent. Wear appropriate respirator
when ventilation is inadequate.
Splash goggles.

Section 16: Other Information

References: Not available.

Other Special Considerations: Not available.

Created: 10/11/2005 01:58 PM

Last Updated: 10/11/2005 01:58 PM

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