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Potassium cyanide (as CN)

Synonyms & Trade Names
Potassium salt of hydrocyanic acid
CAS No.
151-50-8
RTECS No.
TS8750000
DOT ID & Guide
1680 157(solid)
3413 157(solution)
Formula
KCN
Conversion
IDLH
25 mg/m3 (as CN)
See: cyanides
Exposure Limits
NIOSH REL
C 5 mg/m3 (4.7 ppm) [10-minute] [*Note: The REL also applies to other cyanides (as CN) except Hydrogen cyanide.]
OSHA PEL
TWA 5 mg/m3 [*Note: The PEL also applies to other cyanides (as CN) except Hydrogen cyanide.]
Measurement Methods
NIOSH 6010 , 7904;
OSHA ID120
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Physical Description
White, granular or crystalline solid with a faint, almond-like odor.
Molecular Weight
65.1
Boiling Point
2957°F
Melting Point
1173°F
Solubility
(77°F): 72%
Vapor Pressure
0 mmHg (approx)
Ionization Potential
NA
Specific Gravity
1.55
Flash Point
NA
Upper Exposive Limit
NA
Lower Explosive Limit
NA
Noncombustible Solid, but contact with acids releases highly flammable hydrogen cyanide.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Strong oxidizers (such as acids, acid salts, chlorates & nitrates) [Note: Absorbs moisture from the air forming a syrup.]
Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
irritation eyes, skin, upper respiratory system; asphyxia; lassitude (weakness, exhaustion), headache, confusion; nausea, vomiting; increased resp rate, slow gasping respiration; thyroid, blood changes
Target Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system, cardiovascular system, central nervous system, thyroid, blood
Personal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)
Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated
Remove:When wet or contaminated
Change:Daily
Provide:Eyewash, Quick drench
First Aid
(See procedures)
Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Soap wash immediately
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations

NIOSH/OSHA

Up to 25 mg/m3:
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece

Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus

Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted canister providing protection against the compound of concern and having an N100, R100, or P100 filter.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus

Important additional information about respirator selection

See also
INTRODUCTION   ICSC CARD: 0671

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