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Silver Cyanide, 506-64-9

Silver Cyanide, 506-64-9

SILVER CYANIDE

1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

Parameter Description
Chemical Name Silver cyanide
Other Names Silver(I) cyanide, AgCN
CAS Number 506-64-9
EC Number (EINECS) 208-046-1
Chemical Formula AgCN
Molecular Weight 133.89 g/mol
Chemical Class Inorganic cyanide salt / Transition metal cyanide
Appearance White to yellowish crystalline solid
Odor Faint almond-like odor (cyanide ion)
Density ~5.6 g/cm³
Melting Point Decomposes (no distinct melting point)
Solubility in Water Very slightly soluble
Complex Solubility Soluble in excess cyanide (forms [Ag(CN)₂]⁻ complex)

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND DESCRIPTION:

Silver Cyanide (AgCN) is the cyanide salt of silver in the +1 oxidation state. It consists of a silver ion (Ag⁺) and a cyanide ion (CN⁻). It is very slightly soluble in water but dissolves readily in the presence of excess cyanide ions by forming the [Ag(CN)₂]⁻ complex. This complex formation makes silver cyanide valuable in the electroplating industry. It is used in silver plating baths, in electronic and surface finishing applications, and in special analytical chemistry applications. Due to the presence of cyanide ions, it is extremely toxic.

Structural Features:

  • Silver ion in +1 oxidation state

  • One cyanide ligand

  • Very slightly soluble in water

  • Forms [Ag(CN)₂]⁻ complex with excess cyanide

  • Light sensitive

2. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Property Value
Chemical Formula AgCN
Molecular Weight 133.89 g/mol
Appearance White to yellowish crystalline solid
Odor Faint almond-like odor
Density ~5.6 g/cm³
Melting Point Decomposes (no distinct melting point)
Solubility in Water Very slightly soluble
Solubility in Organic Solvents Insoluble
Complex Solubility Soluble in KCN or NaCN ([Ag(CN)₂]⁻ complex)
Light Sensitivity Light sensitive

3. SOLUBILITY PROFILE

Solvent Solubility
Water Very slightly soluble
Cyanide Solutions (KCN, NaCN) Soluble ([Ag(CN)₂]⁻ complex)
Organic Solvents Insoluble
Acids Reacts (releases HCN gas)

4. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIONS

Property Description
Chemical Class Inorganic cyanide salt / Transition metal cyanide
Water Solubility Very slight
Complex Formation Forms [Ag(CN)₂]⁻ complex with excess CN⁻
Reaction with Acids Releases HCN gas (EXTREMELY TOXIC)
Light Sensitivity Light sensitive
Thermal Decomposition Decomposes upon heating

Key Reactions:

Complex Formation:
AgCN + CN⁻ → [Ag(CN)₂]⁻

Acid Reaction (EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS):
AgCN + HCl → AgCl + HCN ↑

5. APPLICATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL USES

Sector Application
Electroplating Silver source in silver plating baths
Electronics Precision engineering coatings
Surface Finishing Metal surface treatment and protection
Analytical Chemistry Special applications and reagents

6. SPECIFICATIONS (TYPICAL)

Parameter Specification
Purity (AgCN) ≥ 99.0%
Appearance White to yellowish crystalline solid
Silver Content (Ag) ~80-81%
Cyanide Content (CN) ~19-20%
Insoluble Matter ≤ 0.01%
Copper (Cu) ≤ 0.001%
Lead (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 Acids, light, moisture, oxidizers, food and feed
Shelf Life 12-24 months (under proper storage)
Packaging Tightly closed, light-proof containers
UN Number 1684
Hazard Class 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group I

Handling Notes:

  • NEVER mix with acids (HCN gas risk)

  • Protect from light

  • Use only in well-ventilated areas

  • Avoid skin and eye contact

  • Emergency equipment and cyanide antidote must be available

8. SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGY

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 1684
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
Target Organs Brain, heart, respiratory system, central nervous system
Antidote Hydroxocobalamin (B12a), sodium thiosulfate
Ecotoxicity Very toxic to aquatic life

Personal Protective Equipment:

  • Chemical-resistant gloves

  • Full-face mask or safety goggles

  • Protective clothing

  • Respiratory protection (SCBA or suitable filter mask)

  • Adequate ventilation must be provided

  • Cyanide antidote (hydroxocobalamin) must be available

  • Only trained personnel should handle

9. FIRST AID MEASURES

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

10. ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

Parameter Information
Ecotoxicity Very toxic to aquatic organisms
Bioaccumulation Cyanide and silver compounds accumulate in the environment
Environmental Impact Must be prevented from entering water and soil sources
Waste Management Special disposal procedures for cyanide waste must be applied

11. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

Parameter Information
UN Number 1684
Hazard Class 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group I
Proper Shipping Name Silver cyanide
Marine Pollutant Yes
ADR/RID Label 6.1
IMDG Code Class 6.1

12. REGULATORY INFORMATION

Region Status
EU REACH registered; Strictly controlled
Turkey (KKDİK) Mandatory compliance; registration required
USA (TSCA) Listed
EINECS 208-046-1
Customs Tariff Code 2837.20.00.00.19

13. SUMMARY AND CRITICAL WARNINGS

SUMMARY:

Silver Cyanide (AgCN, CAS 506-64-9) is a white to yellowish crystalline solid with a molecular weight of 133.89 g/mol and density of approximately 5.6 g/cm³. It is very slightly soluble in water but dissolves in excess cyanide by forming [Ag(CN)₂]⁻ complex. It is classified as UN 1684, Class 6.1, Packing Group I.

Its most important applications include use in silver plating baths, in electronic and surface finishing applications, and in special analytical chemistry applications.

EXTREMELY TOXIC. Fatal if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through skin. Inhibits cellular respiration. Very toxic to aquatic life. Light sensitive. Storage should be in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas, in tightly closed light-proof containers, away from acids and moisture.

Key Properties:

Property Value
Formula AgCN
CAS No 506-64-9
Molecular Weight 133.89 g/mol
Appearance White/yellowish crystalline
Density ~5.6 g/cm³
Water Solubility Very slight
UN No 1684
Hazard Class 6.1 (Toxic)
Packing Group I

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

  1. Extreme Toxicity: Cyanide ion is extremely toxic. Fatal following ingestion, inhalation, or skin absorption. IMMEDIATE medical attention is essential.

  2. Acid Reaction: Contact with acids releases HCN GAS. NEVER mix with or store near acids.

  3. Light Sensitivity: Sensitive to light. Store in light-proof containers.

  4. Silver Toxicity: Silver compounds are also toxic. Chronic exposure may cause argyria (silver accumulation).

  5. Complex Solubility: Dissolves in excess cyanide by forming [Ag(CN)₂]⁻ complex. This property is utilized in electroplating applications.

  6. Storage: Tightly closed, locked, restricted access, cool, dry, well-ventilated. Away from acids and light.

  7. Protective Equipment: Full PPE (gloves, goggles, respirator, protective clothing) mandatory. Cyanide antidote must be available.

  8. Waste Management: Special disposal procedures for cyanide waste must be applied.

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. Silver 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.

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