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Potassium Thiocyanate, Potassium Rhodanide, Potassium Sulfocyanate, 333-20-0

Potassium Thiocyanate, Potassium Rhodanide, Potassium Sulfocyanate, 333-20-0

POTASSIUM THIOCYANATE

1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

Parameter Description
Chemical Name Potassium thiocyanate
Other Names Potassium rhodanide, Potassium sulfocyanate, Thiocyanic acid potassium salt
CAS Number 333-20-0
EC Number (EINECS) 206-370-1
Chemical Formula KSCN
Molecular Weight 97.18 g/mol
Chemical Class Inorganic thiocyanate salt
Appearance White crystalline solid or granules
Odor Odorless
Density ~1.89 g/cm³
Melting Point 172 °C
Boiling Point ~500 °C (decomposes)

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND DESCRIPTION:

Potassium Thiocyanate (KSCN) is an inorganic salt consisting of a potassium cation (K⁺) 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). It is highly soluble in water (217 g/100 mL at 20°C). It is widely used as a reagent in analytical chemistry (especially for iron determination), in photographic processing, in textile and dye industries, and in metal surface treatment and plating solutions.

Structural Features:

  • Potassium cation (K⁺) and thiocyanate anion (SCN⁻)

  • Linear pseudohalide with S-C≡N structure

  • Highly soluble in water

  • Forms colored complexes with metal ions (especially iron)

2. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Property Value
Chemical Formula KSCN
Molecular Weight 97.18 g/mol
Appearance White crystalline solid or granules
Odor Odorless
Density ~1.89 g/cm³
Melting Point 172 °C
Boiling Point ~500 °C (decomposes)
Solubility in Water High (~217 g/100 mL, 20°C)
Solubility in Alcohol Soluble
Solubility in Acetone Soluble
Hygroscopicity Slightly hygroscopic

3. SOLUBILITY PROFILE

Solvent Solubility
Water High (~217 g/100 mL, 20°C)
Alcohol Soluble
Acetone Soluble
Organic Solvents Limited solubility

4. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIONS

Property Description
Chemical Class Inorganic thiocyanate salt
pH (Aqueous Solution) ~5-8 (neutral to slightly basic)
Reaction with Iron(III) Forms blood-red complex [Fe(SCN)₃]
Reaction with Acids Forms thiocyanic acid (HSCN)
Oxidation Reacts with oxidizers
Hygroscopicity Slightly hygroscopic

Key Reactions:

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

Acid Reaction:
KSCN + HCl → KCl + HSCN

5. APPLICATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL USES

Sector Application
Analytical Chemistry Reagent for iron determination (blood-red complex formation)
Photography Chemical processing
Textile Dyeing and printing processes
Metal Surface Treatment Plating solutions
Laboratory General laboratory reagent
Chemical Industry Intermediate and catalyst

6. SPECIFICATIONS (TYPICAL)

Parameter Specification
Purity (KSCN) ≥ 99.0%
Appearance White crystalline solid or granules
Solubility Clear solution
Chloride (Cl) ≤ 0.005%
Sulfate (SO₄) ≤ 0.01%
Iron (Fe) ≤ 0.0005%
Heavy Metals (as Pb) ≤ 0.001%
Moisture ≤ 0.5%

7. HANDLING AND STORAGE

Parameter Information
Storage Conditions Cool, dry, well-ventilated area
Storage Temperature 15-25°C
Keep Away From Strong acids, strong oxidizers, moisture
Shelf Life 24-36 months (under proper storage)
Packaging Tightly closed plastic or glass containers
UN Number Not classified as dangerous for transport

Handling Notes:

  • Avoid dust formation and inhalation

  • Avoid skin and eye contact

  • Use in well-ventilated areas

  • Slightly hygroscopic; protect from moisture

8. SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGY

Parameter Value
GHS Classification GHS07 (Warning)
Signal Word Warning
Hazard Statements H302 (Harmful if swallowed), H315 (Skin irritation), H319 (Serious eye irritation), H335 (Respiratory tract irritation)
Precautionary Statements P261, P280, P301+P312, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338
Toxicity Harmful if swallowed
Exposure Routes Inhalation, ingestion, skin contact
Symptoms Headache, nausea, irritation
Target Organs Skin, eyes, respiratory system
Ecotoxicity Low to moderate aquatic toxicity

Personal Protective Equipment:

  • Chemical-resistant gloves

  • Safety goggles

  • Protective clothing

  • Dust mask

  • Adequate ventilation must be provided

9. FIRST AID MEASURES

Exposure Route Action
Inhalation Move to fresh air. If breathing difficulty occurs, administer oxygen. Seek medical attention.
Skin Contact Remove contaminated clothing. Wash with plenty of water and soap. Seek medical attention.
Eye Contact Rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention.
Ingestion Do NOT induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water. Drink plenty of water. Seek medical attention.

10. ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

Parameter Information
Ecotoxicity Low to moderate aquatic toxicity
Environmental Impact Must be prevented from entering water and soil sources
Waste Management Thiocyanate-containing waste must be processed at appropriate disposal facilities
Dosage Avoid overuse; dosage control required

11. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

Parameter Information
UN Number Not classified as dangerous for transport
Hazard Class Not classified
Packing Group Not applicable
Proper Shipping Name Potassium Thiocyanate
Marine Pollutant No
ADR/RID Label None

12. REGULATORY INFORMATION

Region Status
EU REACH registered
Turkey (KKDİK) Mandatory compliance; registration required
USA (TSCA) Listed
EINECS 206-370-1
Customs Tariff Code 2838.00.00

13. SUMMARY AND CRITICAL WARNINGS

SUMMARY:

Potassium Thiocyanate (KSCN, CAS 333-20-0) is a white crystalline solid or granules with a molecular weight of 97.18 g/mol and density of approximately 1.89 g/cm³. It has a melting point of 172 °C and is highly soluble in water (217 g/100 mL at 20°C). It is slightly hygroscopic.

Its most important applications include use as a reagent in analytical chemistry (especially for iron determination, forming a characteristic blood-red complex), in photographic processing, in textile and dye industries, and in metal surface treatment and plating solutions.

Harmful if swallowed. May cause skin and eye irritation. Storage should be in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas, in tightly closed containers, away from strong acids and oxidizers.

Key Properties:

Property Value
Formula KSCN
CAS No 333-20-0
Molecular Weight 97.18 g/mol
Appearance White crystalline/granules
Melting Point 172 °C
Water Solubility 217 g/100 mL
Density ~1.89 g/cm³
Primary Use Analytical reagent

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

  1. Iron Detection: Potassium Thiocyanate is the most widely used reagent for the detection of iron(III) ions in analytical chemistry, forming the blood-red [Fe(SCN)₃] complex.

  2. Acid Reaction: Contact with acids forms thiocyanic acid (HSCN). Should be kept away from acids due to potential reaction.

  3. Hygroscopic: Slightly hygroscopic; protect from moisture. Store in tightly closed containers.

  4. Customs Classification: The correct customs tariff code is 2838.00.00.

  5. Regulatory Compliance: REACH, KKDİK, and TSCA registration requirements apply.

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. All local, national, and international regulations must be followed when working with Potassium Thiocyanate.

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