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Send EmailPotassium Gold Cyanide, Gold Potassium Cyanide, Potassium Dicyanoaurate, PGC, 13967-50-5
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Potassium dicyanoaurate(I) |
| Other Names | Potassium gold cyanide, Gold potassium cyanide, PGC |
| CAS Number | 13967-50-5 |
| EC Number (EINECS) | 237-748-4 |
| Chemical Formula | KAu(CN)₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 288.11 g/mol |
| Chemical Class | Inorganic cyanide complex salt / Gold compound |
| Appearance | White to slightly yellow crystalline solid |
| Odor | Faint almond-like odor (cyanide ion) |
| Density | ~2.4 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | No distinct melting point; decomposes at high temperatures |
| Solubility in Water | Soluble |
| Complex Formation | Forms stable [Au(CN)₂]⁻ complex |
CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND DESCRIPTION:
Potassium Gold Cyanide (KAu(CN)₂) is a complex salt consisting of a potassium cation (K⁺) and a dicyanoaurate anion ([Au(CN)₂]⁻). In this anion, a gold ion (Au⁺) is coordinated by two cyanide ligands (CN⁻) in a linear configuration. This highly stable complex is the primary source of gold in electroplating applications. It is soluble in water and widely used in the electronics industry for precision gold plating, in jewelry manufacturing for decorative coating, and in various other precious metal plating applications. Due to the presence of cyanide, it is extremely toxic.
Structural Features:
Linear [Au(CN)₂]⁻ complex anion
Gold ion in +1 oxidation state
Two cyanide ligands
Soluble in water
Light sensitive
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | KAu(CN)₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 288.11 g/mol |
| Appearance | White to slightly yellow crystalline solid |
| Odor | Faint almond-like odor |
| Density | ~2.4 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | Decomposes at high temperatures |
| Solubility in Water | Soluble |
| Solubility in Organic Solvents | Slightly soluble |
| Light Sensitivity | Light sensitive |
| pH (Aqueous Solution) | ~6-8 |
| Gold Content | ~68.3% (by weight) |
| Solvent | Solubility |
|---|---|
| Water | Soluble |
| Organic Solvents | Slightly soluble |
| Acids | Reacts (releases HCN gas) |
| Alkalis | Slightly soluble |
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Class | Inorganic cyanide complex salt / Gold compound |
| Complex Stability | Highly stable [Au(CN)₂]⁻ complex |
| Reaction with Acids | Releases HCN gas (EXTREMELY TOXIC) |
| Electrochemical Behavior | Used as gold source in electroplating |
| Light Sensitivity | Light sensitive |
| Thermal Decomposition | Decomposes upon heating |
Key Reactions:
Acid Reaction (EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS):
KAu(CN)₂ + 2HCl → AuCl + 2HCN ↑ + KCl
Electroplating Deposition:
[Au(CN)₂]⁻ + e⁻ → Au + 2CN⁻
| Sector | Application |
|---|---|
| Electronics Industry | Precision gold plating for connectors, contacts, and circuit boards |
| Jewelry Manufacturing | Decorative gold coating and plating |
| Electroplating | Primary gold source in gold plating baths |
| Decorative Applications | High-quality gold finishes |
| Aerospace | Specialized gold plating for electronic components |
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Purity (KAu(CN)₂) | ≥ 99.0% |
| Appearance | White to slightly yellow crystalline solid |
| Gold Content (Au) | ~68.0-68.5% |
| Potassium Content (K) | ~12.5-13.0% |
| Cyanide Content (CN) | ~18.0-18.5% |
| Insoluble Matter | ≤ 0.01% |
| Silver (Ag) | ≤ 0.001% |
| Copper (Cu) | ≤ 0.001% |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤ 0.001% |
| Moisture | ≤ 0.5% |
| 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 | 1588 |
| 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
Only trained personnel should handle
Gold is a high-value material; strict security measures required
| 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 | 1588 |
| 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 (butyl rubber, nitrile)
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
Emergency shower and eyewash stations required
| 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 | Cyanide and gold compounds may accumulate in the environment |
| Environmental Impact | Must be prevented from entering water and soil sources |
| Waste Management | Cyanide-containing waste must be processed with special disposal procedures |
| Gold Recovery | Gold value makes recovery economically viable |
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| UN Number | 1588 |
| Hazard Class | 6.1 (Toxic substances) |
| Packing Group | I |
| Proper Shipping Name | Cyanides, inorganic, solid, n.o.s. (Potassium gold 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 |
| EINECS | 237-748-4 |
| Customs Tariff Code | 2837.20.00.00.19 |
| Other | High-value material; theft prevention measures required |
SUMMARY:
Potassium Gold Cyanide (KAu(CN)₂, CAS 13967-50-5) is a white to slightly yellow crystalline solid with a molecular weight of 288.11 g/mol and density of approximately 2.4 g/cm³. It is soluble in water and contains approximately 68.3% gold by weight. It is classified as UN 1588, Class 6.1, Packing Group I.
Its most important applications include use in electronics industry for precision gold plating, in jewelry manufacturing for decorative coating, and in various electroplating 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 | KAu(CN)₂ |
| CAS No | 13967-50-5 |
| Molecular Weight | 288.11 g/mol |
| Appearance | White/yellowish crystalline |
| Gold Content | ~68.3% |
| Water Solubility | Soluble |
| UN No | 1588 |
| Hazard Class | 6.1 (Toxic) |
| Packing Group | I |
CRITICAL WARNINGS:
Extreme Toxicity: Cyanide ion is extremely toxic. 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.
Light Sensitivity: Sensitive to light. Store in light-proof containers.
High Gold Value: Contains ~68.3% gold. Strict security measures and inventory controls are required.
Storage: Tightly closed, locked, restricted access, cool, dry, well-ventilated. Away from acids and light.
Protective Equipment: Full PPE (gloves, goggles, respirator, protective clothing) mandatory. Cyanide antidote must be available.
Waste Management: Cyanide-containing waste must be processed with special disposal procedures. Gold recovery from waste is economically viable.
Regulatory: Subject to strict regulatory controls. 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 Gold 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. Due to the high value of gold, additional security measures are strongly recommended.