Health Effects
Hydrogen cyanide is very toxic, a few breaths may cause unconsciousness and death; at concentrations above 100 ppm toxic amounts can be absorbed through the skin.
RTECS Description: None
Carcinogenicity: IARC/NTC: Not listed as carcinogenic.
Exposure Limits:
ACGIH: Ceiling 4.7 ppm (skin)
NIOSH 4.7 ppm (skin)
IDLH 50 ppm
OSHA: 10 ppm
Steri-Trac® HCN Monitor
Availability: Special Order
Specifications:*
Sensor Type Electrochemical
Range: 0 – 30 ppm
Resolution: 0.2 ppm
Temp Range: -20 to +40 oC
Response time (t50): <50 s (2 min exposure)
Properties and Applications:
Hydrogen cyanide gas has a characteristic bitter almond odor. The gas is used as a fumigant insecticide/rodenticide and is used in organic synthesis (e.g. for adiponitrile for nylon production from butadiene) and to make other cyanides used in gold mining.
Physical Properties:
Chemical Formula: HCN
Physical form: Colorless gas/liq.
MP: -13.4 oC
BP: 25.6oC
pKa 9.21
Odor Threshold: 1 ppm
MW: 27.0 g/mol
Rel. Gas Density: 0.94 (Air = 1)
Classification Numbers:
CAS No.: 74-90-8
EC No.: 200-821-6
RTECS: MW6825000
*Specifications subject to change
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