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Send EmailZinc Cyanide, Zinc Dicyanide, 557-21-1
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Zinc cyanide |
| Other Names | Zinc(II) cyanide, Zinc dicyanide |
| CAS Number | 557-21-1 |
| EC Number (EINECS) | 209-162-9 |
| Chemical Formula | Zn(CN)₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 117.43 g/mol |
| Chemical Class | Inorganic cyanide salt / Transition metal cyanide |
| Appearance | White crystalline solid or powder |
| Odor | Faint almond-like odor (cyanide ion) |
| Density | ~2.0 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | ~300 °C (decomposes) |
CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND DESCRIPTION:
Zinc Cyanide (Zn(CN)₂) is the cyanide salt of zinc in the +2 oxidation state. It consists of a zinc ion (Zn²⁺) and two cyanide ions (CN⁻). The cyanide ion features a carbon-nitrogen triple bond (C≡N) in a linear structure. It is sparingly soluble in water but dissolves in acidic solutions or in the presence of excess cyanide ions through complex formation. Zinc Cyanide is used in electroplating (zinc plating baths), metal surface treatment, and as an intermediate in chemical synthesis. Due to the presence of cyanide ions, it is extremely toxic.
Structural Features:
Central zinc ion in +2 oxidation state
Two cyanide ligands
Sparingly soluble in water
Soluble in acids (HCN gas risk)
Forms cyanide complexes
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | Zn(CN)₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 117.43 g/mol |
| Appearance | White crystalline solid or powder |
| Odor | Faint almond-like odor |
| Density | ~2.0 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | ~300 °C (decomposes) |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes before boiling |
| Solubility in Water | Sparingly soluble |
| Solubility in Acids | Soluble (releases HCN gas) |
| Solubility in Cyanide Solutions | Soluble (complex formation) |
| Solubility in Organic Solvents | Insoluble |
| pH (Aqueous Suspension) | ~7-8 |
| Hygroscopicity | Not hygroscopic |
| Solvent | Solubility |
|---|---|
| Water | Sparingly soluble |
| Dilute Acids | Soluble (HCN gas risk) |
| Cyanide Solutions | Soluble (complex formation) |
| Organic Solvents | Insoluble |
| Alkalis | Slightly soluble |
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Class | Inorganic cyanide salt / Transition metal cyanide |
| Reaction with Acids | Releases HCN gas (EXTREMELY TOXIC) |
| Complex Formation | Forms [Zn(CN)₄]²⁻ complex with cyanide ions |
| Thermal Decomposition | ~300°C decomposes to Zn + (CN)₂ or Zn + N₂ + C |
| Hydrolysis | Slowly hydrolyzes in water |
| Oxidation | Reacts with oxidizers |
Key Reactions:
Acid Reaction (EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS):
Zn(CN)₂ + 2HCl → ZnCl₂ + 2HCN ↑
Complex Formation:
Zn(CN)₂ + 2NaCN → Na₂[Zn(CN)₄]
Thermal Decomposition:
Zn(CN)₂ → Zn + (CN)₂ (at high temperature)
| Sector | Application |
|---|---|
| Electroplating | Zinc source in zinc plating baths |
| Metal Processing | Metal surface cleaning and treatment |
| Chemical Synthesis | Intermediate for organic and inorganic cyanide derivatives |
| Laboratory | Analytical reagent and precipitation agent |
| Battery Technology | Used in some battery systems |
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Purity (Zn(CN)₂) | ≥ 98.0% |
| Appearance | White crystalline solid or powder |
| Zinc Content | ~55-57% |
| Cyanide Content | ~42-44% |
| Chloride (Cl) | ≤ 0.01% |
| Sulfate (SO₄) | ≤ 0.01% |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.001% |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤ 0.001% |
| Moisture | ≤ 0.5% |
| Insoluble Matter | ≤ 0.05% |
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Storage Conditions | Cool, dry, well-ventilated area |
| Storage Temperature | 15-25°C |
| Keep Away From | Acids, moisture, oxidizers, food and feed |
| Shelf Life | 12-24 months (under proper storage) |
| Packaging | Tightly closed containers |
| Transport | Hazardous material class, special packaging and labeling required |
Handling Notes:
NEVER mix with acids (HCN gas risk)
Use only in well-ventilated areas
Emergency equipment and cyanide antidote must be available
Cyanide neutralization systems required for waste management
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| GHS Classification | GHS06 (Skull and Crossbones), GHS09 (Environment) |
| Signal Word | Danger |
| Hazard Statements | H300 (Fatal if swallowed), H310 (Fatal in contact with skin), H330 (Fatal if inhaled), H410 (Very toxic to aquatic life) |
| Precautionary Statements | P260, P262, P264, P270, P271, P280, P284, P301+P310, P302+P352, P304+P340, P310, P361, P363, P403+P233, P405, P501 |
| UN Number | 1713 |
| Hazard Class | 6.1 (Toxic substances) |
| Packing Group | I |
| Toxicity | Fatal if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through skin |
| Exposure Routes | Inhalation, ingestion, skin contact |
| Symptoms | Dizziness, nausea, breathing difficulty, loss of consciousness, death |
| Antidote | Hydroxocobalamin (B12a), sodium thiosulfate |
| Target Organs | Brain, heart, respiratory system, central nervous system |
| Ecotoxicity | Very toxic to aquatic life |
Personal Protective Equipment:
Chemical-resistant gloves
Full-face safety goggles or face shield
Protective clothing
Respiratory protection (SCBA or suitable filter mask)
Cyanide antidote (hydroxocobalamin) must be available
| 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 immediately. 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. |
ANTIDOTE INFORMATION:
Hydroxocobalamin (B12a) – 5 g IV
Sodium thiosulfate – 12.5 g IV
DO NOT DELAY medical treatment
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Ecotoxicity | Very toxic to aquatic organisms |
| Bioaccumulation | Expected |
| Environmental Impact | Harmful to water and soil environments |
| Waste Management | Cyanide neutralization systems must be used |
| Wastewater | Must not be discharged untreated into the environment |
| Alternative | Cyanide-free plating solutions should be preferred |
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| UN Number | 1713 |
| Hazard Class | 6.1 (Toxic substances) |
| Packing Group | I |
| Proper Shipping Name | Zinc cyanide |
| Marine Pollutant | Yes |
| ADR/RID Label | 6.1 |
| IMDG Code | Class 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 | 2837.20.00 |
| EINECS | 209-162-9 |
SUMMARY:
Zinc Cyanide (Zn(CN)₂, CAS 557-21-1) is a white crystalline solid or powder with a molecular weight of 117.43 g/mol and density of approximately 2.0 g/cm³. It is sparingly soluble in water but dissolves in acids and cyanide solutions. It is classified as UN 1713, Class 6.1, Packing Group I.
Its most important applications include use in electroplating (zinc plating baths), metal surface treatment, and as an intermediate in chemical synthesis.
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 | Zn(CN)₂ |
| CAS No | 557-21-1 |
| Appearance | White crystalline/powder |
| Molecular Weight | 117.43 g/mol |
| Density | ~2.0 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | ~300 °C |
| UN No | 1713 |
| Hazard Class | 6.1 |
| Packing Group | I |
CRITICAL WARNINGS:
Extreme Toxicity: One of the most toxic cyanide salts. Fatal 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.
Storage: Tightly closed, locked, restricted access, cool, dry, well-ventilated. Away from acids.
Protective Equipment: Full PPE (gloves, goggles, respirator, protective clothing) mandatory. Cyanide antidote must be available.
Waste Management: Cyanide neutralization systems must be used. Wastewater must not be discharged untreated into the environment.
Regulatory: Chemical Weapons Convention Schedule 3. Subject to strict regulatory controls.
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. Zinc 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.