Potassium cyanide (as CN)

Synonyms & Trade Names

Potassium salt of hydrocyanic acid

CAS No.

151-50-8

RTECS No.

TS8750000

DOT ID & Guide

1680 157(solid)
3413 157(solution)

Formula

KCN

Conversion

IDLH

25 mg/m³ (as CN)
See: cyanides

Exposure Limits

NIOSH REL

C 5 mg/m³ (4.7 ppm) [10-minute] [*Note: The REL also applies to other cyanides (as CN) except Hydrogen cyanide.]

OSHA PEL

TWA 5 mg/m³ [*Note: The PEL also applies to other cyanides (as CN) except Hydrogen cyanide.]

Measurement Methods

NIOSH 6010 , 7904;
OSHA ID120
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods

Physical Description

White, granular or crystalline solid with a faint, almond-like odor.

Molecular Weight

65.1

Boiling Point

2957°F

Melting Point

1173°F

Solubility

(77°F): 72%

Vapor Pressure

0 mmHg (approx)

Ionization Potential

Specific Gravity

1.55

Flash Point

Upper Explosive Limit

Lower Explosive Limit

Noncombustible Solid, but contact with acids releases highly flammable hydrogen cyanide.

Incompatibilities & Reactivities

Strong oxidizers (such as acids, acid salts, chlorates & nitrates) [Note: Absorbs moisture from the air forming a syrup.]

Exposure Routes

inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact

Symptoms

irritation eyes, skin, upper respiratory system; asphyxia; lassitude (weakness, exhaustion), headache, confusion; nausea, vomiting; increased resp rate, slow gasping respiration; thyroid, blood changes

Target Organs

Eyes, skin, respiratory system, cardiovascular system, central nervous system, thyroid, blood

Personal Protection/Sanitation

(See protection codes)
Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated
Remove:When wet or contaminated
Change:Daily
Provide:Eyewash, Quick drench

First Aid

(See procedures)
Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Soap wash immediately
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately

Respirator Recommendations

NIOSH/OSHA

Up to 25 mg/m³:
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece

Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus

Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted canister providing protection against the compound of concern and having an N100, R100, or P100 filter.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus

Important additional information about respirator selection

Potassium cyanide (as CN)

NIOSH REL

OSHA PEL

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