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Send EmailPotassium Cyanide, 151-50-8
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Potassium cyanide |
| Other Names | Cyanide of potassium, Potassium salt of hydrocyanic acid |
| CAS Number | 151-50-8 |
| EC Number (EINECS) | 205-792-3 |
| Chemical Formula | KCN |
| Molecular Weight | 65.12 g/mol |
| Chemical Class | Inorganic cyanide salt / Alkali metal cyanide |
| Appearance | White crystalline solid (granules, flakes, or briquettes) |
| Odor | Faint almond-like odor (cyanide ion; not detectable by many due to genetic factors) |
| Density | ~1.52 g/cm³ (20°C) |
| Melting Point | ~634.5 °C |
| Boiling Point | 1,625 °C |
| Vapor Pressure | Very low |
| pH (1% Aqueous Solution) | ~11-12 (strongly alkaline) |
| Hygroscopicity | Hygroscopic |
CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND DESCRIPTION:
Potassium Cyanide (KCN) is the potassium salt of hydrocyanic acid (HCN). It consists of a potassium cation (K⁺) and a cyanide anion (CN⁻). The cyanide ion features a carbon atom triple-bonded to a nitrogen atom (C≡N). This linear, highly polar ion is the source of the compound's extreme toxicity. The cyanide ion binds to the ferric ion (Fe³⁺) in cytochrome c oxidase, blocking the mitochondrial respiratory chain and inhibiting cellular oxygen utilization, leading to tissue hypoxia and rapid death.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | KCN |
| Molecular Weight | 65.12 g/mol |
| Appearance | White crystalline solid |
| Odor | Faint almond-like odor |
| Density | ~1.52 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | ~634.5 °C |
| Boiling Point | 1,625 °C |
| Solubility in Water | 100 g/100 mL (20°C) |
| Solubility in Methanol | Soluble |
| Solubility in Ethanol | Slightly soluble |
| pH (1% Aqueous Solution) | ~11-12 |
| Hygroscopicity | Hygroscopic |
| Vapor Pressure (20°C) | Very low |
| Thermal Decomposition | >800°C decomposes |
| Solvent | Solubility |
|---|---|
| Water | Highly soluble (100 g/100 mL, 20°C) |
| Methanol | Soluble |
| Ethanol | Slightly soluble |
| Acetone | Slightly soluble |
| Acids | Reacts (releases HCN gas) |
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Class | Inorganic cyanide salt |
| pH (Aqueous Solution) | ~11-12 (strongly alkaline) |
| Reaction with Acids | Releases HCN gas (EXTREMELY TOXIC) |
| Reaction with Metal Ions | Forms metal cyanide complexes [Au(CN)₂]⁻, [Ag(CN)₂]⁻ |
| Hydrolysis | Slowly hydrolyzes in water to form HCN and KOH |
| Oxidation | Can be oxidized to cyanate (OCN⁻) |
| Hygroscopicity | Hygroscopic |
Key Reactions:
Acid Reaction (EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS):
KCN + HCl → KCl + HCN ↑
Hydrolysis:
KCN + H₂O → HCN + KOH
Gold Complexation:
4Au + 8KCN + O₂ + 2H₂O → 4K[Au(CN)₂] + 4KOH
| Sector | Application |
|---|---|
| Mining | Gold and silver extraction (cyanide leaching) |
| Electroplating | Galvanic plating solutions |
| Chemical Synthesis | Intermediate for organic and inorganic compounds |
| Laboratory | Analytical reagent, metal determination |
| Pharmaceutical | Pharmaceutical intermediates |
| Metal Processing | Steel case-hardening (carburizing) |
| Photography | Fixer solutions |
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Purity (KCN) | ≥ 96.0% (industrial) / ≥ 98.0% (reagent) |
| Appearance | White crystalline solid |
| KCN Content | ≥ 96.0% |
| KOH | ≤ 2.0% |
| K₂CO₃ | ≤ 1.0% |
| KCl | ≤ 0.5% |
| Moisture | ≤ 0.5% |
| Forms Available | Briquettes, granules, flakes, powder, aqueous solution |
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Storage Conditions | Tightly closed containers, locked storage |
| Storage Temperature | 15-25°C, cool, dry, well-ventilated |
| Keep Away From | Acids, moisture, heat, oxidizers, food and feed |
| Shelf Life | 24-36 months (under proper storage) |
| Packaging Options | 1 kg, 5 kg, 25 kg, 50 kg |
Handling Notes:
NEVER mix with acids (HCN gas risk)
Continuous gas detection and ventilation required
Emergency equipment must be accessible
Double containment systems recommended
Specialized cyanide destruction methods required for waste management
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| GHS Classification | GHS06, GHS09 |
| Hazard Statements | H300, H310, H330, H372, H410 |
| Signal Word | Danger |
| UN Number | 1680 |
| Hazard Class | 6.1 (Toxic) |
| Packing Group | I |
| LD50 (Oral, Rat) | ~5-10 mg/kg |
| Mechanism of Action | Cytochrome c oxidase inhibition |
| Antidote | Hydroxocobalamin, sodium thiosulfate |
| Target Organs | Brain, heart, respiratory system, CNS |
| Ecotoxicity | Very toxic to aquatic organisms |
ANTIDOTE INFORMATION:
Hydroxocobalamin (B12a) – 5 g IV
Sodium thiosulfate – 12.5 g IV
DO NOT DELAY medical treatment
| Exposure Route | Action |
|---|---|
| Inhalation | Move to fresh air. If breathing stopped, perform artificial respiration. Administer oxygen. SEEK IMMEDIATE medical attention. |
| Skin Contact | Remove contaminated clothing. Wash with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. SEEK IMMEDIATE medical attention. |
| Eye Contact | Rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. SEEK IMMEDIATE medical attention. |
| Ingestion | Do NOT induce vomiting. If conscious, give plenty of water or milk. SEEK IMMEDIATE medical attention. Antidote administration required. |
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| UN Number | 1680 |
| Hazard Class | 6.1 |
| Packing Group | I |
| Proper Shipping Name | Potassium cyanide |
| Marine Pollutant | Yes |
| ADR/RID Label | 6.1 |
| Region | Status |
|---|---|
| EU | REACH registered; Strictly controlled |
| Turkey (KKDİK) | Mandatory compliance; registration required |
| USA (TSCA) | Listed |
| Chemical Weapons Convention | Schedule 3 |
| Customs Tariff Code | 2837.19.00 |
| EINECS | 205-792-3 |
SUMMARY:
Potassium Cyanide (KCN, CAS 151-50-8) is a white crystalline solid with high water solubility (100 g/100 mL, 20°C), melting point of ~634.5 °C, and density of ~1.52 g/cm³. It is hygroscopic and reacts with acids to release highly toxic hydrogen cyanide gas (HCN). It is classified as UN 1680, Class 6.1, Packing Group I.
EXTREMELY TOXIC. Fatal if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through skin. Inhibits cellular respiration. Very toxic to aquatic life. Schedule 3 substance under the Chemical Weapons Convention.
Key Properties:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Formula | KCN |
| CAS No | 151-50-8 |
| Appearance | White crystalline |
| Melting Point | ~634.5 °C |
| Water Solubility | 100 g/100 mL |
| UN No | 1680 |
| Hazard Class | 6.1 |
| Packing Group | I |
CRITICAL WARNINGS:
Extreme Toxicity: One of the most toxic industrial chemicals. Fatal within minutes following ingestion, inhalation, or skin absorption. IMMEDIATE medical attention is essential.
Acid Reaction: Contact with acids releases HCN GAS. NEVER mix with or store near acids.
Hygroscopic: Absorbs moisture, leading to hydrolysis and HCN gas formation. Store in tightly closed, dry conditions.
Storage: Tightly closed, locked, restricted access, cool, dry, well-ventilated. Away from acids.
Protective Equipment: Full PPE (gloves, goggles, respirator, protective clothing) mandatory.
Antidote: Hydroxocobalamin (B12a) – under medical supervision. DO NOT DELAY medical treatment.
Regulatory: Chemical Weapons Convention Schedule 3. Special permits may be required for import, export, and use.
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. Potassium Cyanide is EXTREMELY TOXIC and must only be used under controlled conditions with proper training and protective equipment. In case of exposure, seek IMMEDIATE medical attention.