SIGMA-ALDRICH
Material Safety Data Sheet
Date Printed: 11/MAY/2005
Date Updated: 19/APR/2005
Version 1.3
According to 91/155/EEC
Classified as Hazardous according to the criteria of EU Annex 1 and
NOHSC.
1 - Product and Company Information
Product Name POTASSIUM CYANIDE
Product Number 60178
Company Sigma-Aldrich Pty, Ltd
Unit 2, 14 Anella Avenue
Castle Hill NSW 1765
Australia
Technical Phone # +61 2 9841 0555
Fax +61 2 9841 0500
Emergency Phone # +61 2 9841 0566
2 - Composition/Information on Ingredients
Product Name CAS # EC no Annex I
Index Number
POTASSIUM CYANIDE 151-50-8 205-792-3 006-007-00-5
Formula CKN
Molecular Weight 65.12 AMU
Synonyms Cyanide of potassium * Cyanure de potassium
(French) * Hydrocyanic acid, potassium salt *
Potassium cyanide (ACGIH) * RCRA waste number
P098
3 - Hazards Identification
SPECIAL INDICATION OF HAZARDS TO HUMANS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Very toxic by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed.
Contact with acids liberates very toxic gas. Very toxic to aquatic
organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic
environment.
4 - First Aid Measures
AFTER INHALATION
If inhaled, remove to fresh air. If not breathing give
artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen.
AFTER SKIN CONTACT
In case of skin contact, flush with copious amounts of water for
at least 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes.
Call a physician.
AFTER EYE CONTACT
In case of contact with eyes, flush with copious amounts of
water for at least 15 minutes. Assure adequate flushing by
separating the eyelids with fingers. Call a physician.
AFTER INGESTION
If swallowed, wash out mouth with water provided person is
conscious. Call a physician immediately.
5 - Fire Fighting Measures
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA
Suitable: Appropriate foam.
Unsuitable: Do not use carbon dioxide extinguisher on this
material.
SPECIAL RISKS
Specific Hazard(s): Emits toxic fumes under fire conditions.
SPECIAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT FOR FIREFIGHTERS
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing
to prevent contact with skin and eyes.
SPECIFIC METHOD(S) OF FIRE FIGHTING
Fire fighting hazard: water spray can be used to fight fire in
area containing cyanide and to cool fire-exposed metal
containers. However, direct contact of material with water or
steam will cause decomposition liberating highly toxic hydrogen
cyanide gas as well as generating a highly hazardous solution of
dissolved cyanide which must be kept out of sewers and
watercourses. Cyanide has been found to form explosive mixtures
sometimes spontaneously with chlorates, nitrates, and nitrogen
trichloride plus ammonia.
6 - Accidental Release Measures
PERSONAL PRECAUTION PROCEDURES TO BE FOLLOWED IN CASE OF LEAK OR SPILL
Evacuate area.
PROCEDURE(S) OF PERSONAL PRECAUTION(S)
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus, rubber boots, and heavy
rubber gloves.
METHODS FOR CLEANING UP
Sweep up, place in a bag and hold for waste disposal. Avoid
raising dust. Ventilate area and wash spill site after material
pickup is complete.
7 - Handling and Storage
HANDLING
Directions for Safe Handling: Do not breathe dust. Do not get in
eyes, on skin, on clothing. Avoid prolonged or repeated exposure.
STORAGE
Conditions of Storage: Keep tightly closed. Store in a cool dry
place.
Incompatible Materials: Absorbs carbon dioxide from air.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Light and moisture sensitive. Avoid
contact with acid.
8 - Exposure Controls / Personal Protection
ENGINEERING CONTROLS
Safety shower and eye bath. Use only in a chemical fume hood.
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GENERAL HYGIENE MEASURES
Wash contaminated clothing before reuse. Wash thoroughly after
handling.
EXPOSURE LIMITS
Country Source Type Value
Poland NDS -
Poland NDSCh -
Poland NDSP 5 mg/m3
EXPOSURE LIMITS - DENMARK
Source Type Value
OEL TWA 5 mg/m3
Remarks: LH
EXPOSURE LIMITS - GERMANY
Source Type Value
OEL TRGS 900 OEL 5 mg/m3, E
Remarks: 4
Remarks: H
EXPOSURE LIMITS - SWITZERLAND
Source Type Value
OEL OEL 5 mg/m3
Remarks: E H
EXPOSURE LIMITS - UNITED KINGDOM
Source Type Value
OEL TWA 5MG(CN)/M3
Remarks: Skin
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Respiratory Protection: Government approved respirator.
Hand Protection: Compatible chemical-resistant gloves.
Eye Protection: Chemical safety goggles.
9 - Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance Physical State: Solid
Color: White
Property Value At Temperature or Pressure
pH 11.5 20 掳C Concentration: 20
g/l
BP/BP Range 1,625 掳C
MP/MP Range 634 掳C
Flash Point N/A
Flammability N/A
Autoignition Temp N/A
Oxidizing Properties N/A
Explosive Properties N/A
Explosion Limits N/A
Vapor Pressure N/A
SG/Density 1.52 g/cm3
Partition Coefficient Log Kow: 0.44
Viscosity N/A
Vapor Density N/A
Saturated Vapor Conc. N/A
Evaporation Rate N/A
Bulk Density N/A
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Decomposition Temp. N/A
Solvent Content N/A
Water Content N/A
Surface Tension N/A
Conductivity N/A
Miscellaneous Data N/A
Solubility N/A
10 - Stability and Reactivity
STABILITY
Stable: Stable.
Conditions of Instability: May decompose on exposure to moist air
or water. Absorbs carbon dioxide from air. Light sensitive.
Materials to Avoid: Strong oxidizing agents Avoid contact with
acid., Iodine, Permanganates, Peroxides, Metallic salts, Chloral
hydrate, Alkaloids, Chlorates
HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen cyanide, Nitrogen
oxides, Potassium oxides.
HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION
Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur
11 - Toxicological Information
RTECS NUMBER: TS8750000
ACUTE TOXICITY
LDLO
Oral
Human
2.857 mg/kg
LD50
Oral
Rat
5 mg/kg
LD50
Intraperitoneal
Rat
4 MG/KG
Remarks: Lungs, Thorax, or Respiration:Other changes.
LD50
Subcutaneous
Rat
7814 UG/KG
LD50
Intravenous
Rat
3600 UG/KG
Remarks: Behavioral:Altered sleep time (including change in
righting reflex). Behavioral:Convulsions or effect on seizure
threshold. Lungs, Thorax, or Respiration:Dyspnea.
LD50
Oral
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Mouse
8.5 mg/kg
LD50
Intraperitoneal
Mouse
5991 UG/KG
LD50
Subcutaneous
Mouse
6500 UG/KG
LD50
Intravenous
Mouse
2600 UG/KG
Remarks: Peripheral Nerve and Sensation:Flaccid paralysis
without anesthesia (usually neuromuscular blockage).
Behavioral:Convulsions or effect on seizure threshold. Lungs,
Thorax, or Respiration:Respiratory stimulation.
LD50
Subcutaneous
Dog
6 MG/KG
Remarks: Behavioral:Convulsions or effect on seizure threshold.
LD50
Intravenous
Cat
2200 UG/KG
LD50
Oral
Rabbit
5 mg/kg
LD50
Intraperitoneal
Rabbit
3972 UG/KG
Remarks: Blood:Other changes.
LD50
Subcutaneous
Rabbit
4 MG/KG
Remarks: Lungs, Thorax, or Respiration:Other changes.
LD50
Intramuscular
Rabbit
3256 UG/KG
LD50
Ocular
Rabbit
7870 UG/KG
Remarks: Sense Organs and Special Senses (Nose, Eye, Ear, and
Taste):Eye:Other. Behavioral:Ataxia. Lungs, Thorax, or
Respiration:Respiratory stimulation.
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LD50
Intramuscular
Pigeon
4 MG/KG
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF EXPOSURE
Material is extremely destructive to tissue of the mucous
membranes and upper respiratory tract, eyes, and skin.
Inhalation may result in spasm, inflammation and edema of the
larynxand bronchi, chemical pneumonitis, and pulmonary edema.
Symptoms of exposure may include burning sensation, coughing,
wheezing, laryngitis, shortness of breath, headache, nausea, and
vomiting. Exposure can cause: Lung irritation. Cyanosis. CNS
depression. To the best of our knowledge, the chemical,
physical, and toxicological properties have not been thoroughly
investigated.
ROUTE OF EXPOSURE
Skin Contact: May cause skin irritation.
Skin Absorption: May be fatal if absorbed through skin.
Eye Contact: May cause eye irritation.
Inhalation: May be fatal if inhaled. Material may be irritating
to mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract.
Ingestion: May be fatal if swallowed.
TARGET ORGAN INFORMATION
Blood. Central nervous system. Cardiovascular system. Thyroid.
CHRONIC EXPOSURE - MUTAGEN
Rat
300 UMOL/L
Cell Type: liver
DNA damage
Mouse
1 MMOL/L
Cell Type: lymphocyte
DNA inhibition
Mouse
1 MMOL/L
48H
Cell Type: mammary gland
Cytogenetic analysis
CHRONIC EXPOSURE - TERATOGEN
Species: Rat
Dose: 45 MG/KG
Route of Application: Intraperitoneal
Exposure Time: (1-15D PREG)
Result: Effects on Embryo or Fetus: Fetotoxicity (except death,
e.g., stunted fetus).
CHRONIC EXPOSURE - REPRODUCTIVE HAZARD
Species: Rat
Dose: 65 GM/KG
Route of Application: Oral
Exposure Time: (14D PRE/1-22D PREG)
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Result: Effects on Fertility: Other measures of fertility
Species: Domestic Animals
Dose: 1767 MG/KG
Route of Application: Oral
Exposure Time: (8-20W PREG/44D POST)
Result: Effects on Newborn: Weaning or lactation index (e.g., #
alive at weaning per # alive at day 4). Effects on Newborn:
Other neonatal measures or effects.
12 - Ecological Information
ECOTOXICOLOGICAL EFFECTS
Test Type: LC50 Fish
Species: Lepomis macrochirus (Bluegill)
Time: 96 h
Value: 0.45 mg/l
Test Type: EC50 Daphnia
Species: Daphnia magna
Time: 48 h
Value: 2 mg/l
Test Type: EC50 Daphnia
Species: Daphnia magna
Time: 24 h
Value: 0.53 mg/l
13 - Disposal Considerations
SUBSTANCE DISPOSAL
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose
of this material. Observe all federal, state, and local
environmental regulations.
14 - Transport Information
RID/ADR
UN#: 1680
Class: 6.1
PG: I
Proper Shipping Name: Potassium cyanide
IMDG
UN#: 1680
Class: 6.1
PG: I
Proper Shipping Name: POTASSIUM CYANIDE, SOLID
Marine Pollutant: Yes
Severe Marine Pollutant: No
IATA
UN#: 1680
Class: 6.1
PG: I
Proper Shipping Name: Potassium cyanide
Inhalation Packing Group I: No
15 - Regulatory Information
CLASSIFICATION AND LABELING ACCORDING TO EU DIRECTIVES
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ANNEX I INDEX NUMBER: 006-007-00-5
NOTA: A
INDICATION OF DANGER: T+ N
Very toxic. Dangerous for the environment.
R-PHRASES: 26/27/28 32 50/53
Very toxic by inhalation, in contact with skin and if
swallowed. Contact with acids liberates very toxic gas. Very
toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects
in the aquatic environment.
S-PHRASES: 7 28 29 45 60 61
Keep container tightly closed. After contact with skin, wash
immediately with plenty of soap-suds. Do not empty into drains.
In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice
immediately (show the label where possible). This material and
its container must be disposed of as hazardous waste. Avoid
release to the environment. Refer to special
instructions/safety data sheets.
COUNTRY SPECIFIC INFORMATION
Germany
WGK: 3
SWITZERLAND
SWISS POISON CLASS: 1
16 - Other Information
WARRANTY
The above information is believed to be correct but does not
purport to be all inclusive and shall be used only as a guide. The
information in this document is based on the present state of our
knowledge and is applicable to the product with regard to
appropriate safety precautions. It does not represent any
guarantee of the properties of the product. Sigma-Aldrich Inc.,
shall not be held liable for any damage resulting from handling or
from contact with the above product. See reverse side of invoice
or packing slip for additional terms and conditions of sale.
Copyright 2005 Sigma-Aldrich Co. License granted to make unlimited
paper copies for internal use only.
DISCLAIMER
For R&D use only. Not for drug, household or other uses.
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