MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET







I        PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION



Trade Name:       Potassium Dicyanoaurate I                                      Formula:          KAu(CN)2

Synonyms:         Gold (I) potassium cyanide                                     EU #:             006-007-00-5





II       HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS



Hazardous Components                %                 OSHA/PEL                   ACGIH/TLV

                                                      5 (CN)mg/m3 (skin)         1.0 mg/m3

Potassium Dicyanoaurate I           0-100





III      PHYSICAL DATA



Boiling Point:       Decomposes                                                  Melting Point: Decomposes

                     3.45 g/cm3

Specific Gravity:                                                                Vapor Pressure: N/A

Appearance and Odor: White crystal powder, odor of almonds.                      Solubility:     Very soluble in H2O.





IV       FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA



Flash Point: N/A                                                                 Autoignition Temperature: N/E

Explosive Limits: Lower: N/E        Upper: N/E



Extinguishing Media: CO2, foam, dry chemical or water spray. Fight larger fires with water spray.

Special Firefighting Procedures: Firefighters must wear full face, self contained breathing apparatus with full protective clothing to

prevent contact with skin and eyes. Fumes from fire are hazardous. Isolate runoff to prevent environmental pollution.



Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards: May emit toxic fumes of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) upon thermal decomposition.





V        HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION



Effects of Exposure:



         To the best of our knowledge the acute and chronic toxicity of this substance is not fully known.



        Gold compounds may cause irritation to the eyes and respiratory tract. Aplastic anemia may result form damage to the blood

forming organs. Gold has caused tumors and reproductive effects in laboratory animals via implant, intraperitoneal and subcutaneous

routes.

        Cyanides cause symptoms of salivation, nausea without vomiting, anxiety, confusion, vertigo, giddiness, lower jaw stiffness,

convulsions, opisthotonos, paralysis, coma, cardiac arrhythmias and respiratory failure. They typically cause death through asphyxia.

Skin contact may cause itching, macular, papular and vesicular eruptions.



Carcinogenicity: EPA: No IARC: No NTP: No OSHA: No ACGIH: No

The registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS) contains tumorigenic and/or carcinogenic and/or neoplastic data for

components in this product.

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:



NOTE: Immediately remove any clothing soiled by the product. Remove breathing apparatus only after contaminated clothing has

been completely removed. In case of irregular breathing or respiratory arrest provide artificial respiration.



INHALATION: Remove victim to fresh air, provide artificial respiration if needed, keep patient warm and seek immediate medical

attention.

INGESTION: Do not induce vomiting. Seek immediate medical attention.

SKIN: Remove contaminated clothing, immediately wash with soap and water and rinse thoroughly. Seek immediate medical

attention.

EYE: Rinse opened eye for several minutes under running water. Consult a physician.





VI       REACTIVITY DATA



Stability: Stable

Conditions to Avoid: Contact with acids releases toxic gases. Reacts with oxidizing agents. Reacts with organic substances. Reacts

with powdered metals.



Incompatibility (Material to Avoid): Acids, oxidizing agents, organic materials, metal powders, ammonia.

Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen cyanide (prussic acid), carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.

Hazardous Polymerization: May occur





VII      SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES



Steps to Be Taken in Case Material Is Released or Spilled: Wear protective equipment, keep unprotected persons away and

ensure adequate ventilation. Sweep up and contain in airtight plastic container.

Waste Disposal Method: Dispose of in accordance with State, Federal and Local regulations.





VIII     SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION



Respiratory Protection: NIOSH/MSHA Approved.                                              Ventilation: Fume hood.



Protective Gloves: Rubber for all contact.                                                Eye Protection: Goggles

Other Protective Equipment: Normal labwear.





IX       SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS



Precautions to Be Taken in Storage and Handling: Store in cool dry place. Keep tightly sealed when not in use. Open and handle

container with care. Do not store together with acids. Store away from oxidizing agents



Work Practices: Keep away from all foodstuffs, beverages and feed. Remove all soiled and contaminated clothing immediately.

Wash hands before breaks and at the end of work. Store protective clothing separately. Avoid contact with skin and eyes.



        The above information is believed to be correct, but does not purport to be all inclusive and shall be used only as a guide.

ESPI shall not be held liable for any damage resulting from handling or from contact with the above product.



Issued by:        S. Dierks

Date:             April 1999