Ammonium Thiocyanate, Ammonium Rhodanide, Ammonium Sulfocyanate, 1762-95-4

Ammonium Thiocyanate, Ammonium Rhodanide, Ammonium Sulfocyanate, 1762-95-4

AMMONIUM THIOCYANATE

1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND DESCRIPTION:

Ammonium Thiocyanate (NH₄SCN) is the ammonium salt of thiocyanic acid. It consists of an ammonium cation (NH₄⁺) and a thiocyanate anion (SCN⁻). The thiocyanate ion is a pseudohalide with a linear structure where a sulfur atom is bonded to a carbon atom, which is triple-bonded to a nitrogen atom (S-C≡N). This compound is a white, odorless, highly water-soluble crystalline solid. It is widely used in chemical analysis as a reagent for the detection of iron(III) ions, forming a characteristic blood-red complex. It also serves as an intermediate in organic synthesis, a component in photographic chemicals, and is employed in textile and dye industries. Ammonium Thiocyanate is also used in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.

Structural Features:

• Contains ammonium cation (NH₄⁺) and thiocyanate anion (SCN⁻)

• Pseudohalide with linear S-C≡N structure

• Highly polar ionic compound

• Highly soluble in water and alcohol

• Forms colored complexes with metal ions (especially iron)

2. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

3. SOLUBILITY PROFILE

4. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIONS

Key Chemical Reactions:

Iron Detection (Blood-red Complex):
Fe³⁺ + 3SCN⁻ → [Fe(SCN)₃] (red complex)

Thermal Decomposition:
NH₄SCN → NH₃ + HSCN (thiocyanic acid)
HSCN → H₂S + HCN (at high temperatures)

Reaction with Acids:
NH₄SCN + HCl → NH₄Cl + HSCN

Oxidation:
2SCN⁻ + 5O₂ → 2SO₄²⁻ + 2CO₂ + N₂ (complete oxidation)

5. APPLICATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL USES

6. SPECIFICATIONS (TYPICAL)

7. HANDLING AND STORAGE

Handling Notes:

• Avoid dust formation and inhalation

• Avoid skin and eye contact

• Use in well-ventilated areas

• Wash hands thoroughly after handling

• Keep containers tightly closed when not in use

• Protect from moisture due to hygroscopic nature

• Do not store with strong oxidizing agents

8. SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGY

SPECIAL WARNINGS:

• Ammonium Thiocyanate may be harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through skin

• Avoid inhalation of dust

• Avoid contact with skin and eyes

• Use only in well-ventilated areas

• Contact with acids may release toxic hydrogen cyanide gas (HCN)

• When heated to decomposition, may emit toxic fumes including hydrogen sulfide and cyanides

9. FIRST AID MEASURES

Special Notes:

• In case of ingestion, do not induce vomiting due to possible aspiration risk

• Medical personnel should be informed about thiocyanate exposure

• If large amounts are ingested, immediate medical attention is required

10. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

11. REGULATORY INFORMATION

12. SUMMARY AND CRITICAL WARNINGS

SUMMARY:

Ammonium Thiocyanate (NH₄SCN, CAS 1762-95-4) is a white, odorless, highly water-soluble crystalline solid with a molecular weight of 76.12 g/mol and density of approximately 1.305 g/cm³. It has a melting point of ~149 °C and decomposes at higher temperatures. It is hygroscopic and should be stored in tightly closed containers.

Its most important applications include use as a reagent in chemical analysis for the detection of iron(III) ions (forming a characteristic blood-red complex), as an intermediate in organic synthesis, as a component in photographic chemicals, and in the textile and dye industries.

The compound is classified as harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or in contact with skin. It may cause irritation to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. It is not classified as dangerous for transport. Storage should be in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas in tightly closed containers, away from heat, direct sunlight, and strong oxidizing agents. Contact with acids may release toxic hydrogen cyanide gas (HCN).

Key Properties:

Key Safety Points:

• HARMFUL: Harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or in contact with skin (H302, H312, H332)

• IRRITANT: Skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritation (H315, H319, H335)

• HYGROSCOPIC: Must be stored in tightly closed containers

• STORAGE: Cool, dry, well-ventilated, away from heat and strong oxidizers

• INCOMPATIBLE: Strong oxidizing agents, acids (may release HCN gas)

• PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: Gloves, safety goggles, protective clothing, dust mask

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

1. ACID REACTION: Contact with acids may release HYDROGEN CYANIDE GAS (HCN) , a highly toxic gas. Ammonium Thiocyanate must be stored away from all acids and acid-forming materials.

2. THERMAL DECOMPOSITION: When heated to decomposition, Ammonium Thiocyanate may emit toxic fumes including hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), ammonia (NH₃), and cyanides. Avoid exposure to high temperatures.

3. HYGROSCOPIC: Ammonium Thiocyanate is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture from the air. It must be stored in tightly closed containers and handled in dry conditions to prevent caking and dissolution.

4. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS: While not classified as environmentally hazardous, thiocyanate compounds can be toxic to aquatic life. Environmental release should be minimized.

5. CUSTOMS CLASSIFICATION: The correct customs tariff code is 2838.00.00. Correct classification is essential for international trade.

6. REGULATORY COMPLIANCE: REACH, KKDİK, and TSCA registration requirements apply. Not permitted for food, cosmetic, or pharmaceutical applications.

Important Disclaimer: This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only. The information provided is based on available data and is believed to be accurate. However, the user is solely responsible for determining the suitability of the product for their specific applications and for complying with all applicable regulations and safety requirements. For complete safety, handling, storage, and regulatory compliance information, always refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier. Users are responsible for testing the product in their own processes and applications. All local, national, and international regulations must be followed when working with Ammonium Thiocyanate. This material is strictly for industrial and research use only.