Sodium cyanide



         


Properties
General
NameSodium cyanide
Chemical FormulaNaCN
Appearance White deliquescent granular solid
Atomic
Molecular weigth49.01 amu
Physical
State of matter at STPsolid (nonmagnetic)
Melting point at SP837 K
Boiling point at SP1769 K
Specific gravity1.60
Chemical
pH Aqueous solutions are strongly alkaline
Precautions
ToxicYES
Decompostion productsEmits toxic fumes of cyanide and oxides of nitrogen when heated to decomposition.
SI units were used where possible.

Sodium cyanide is a highly toxic chemical compound also known as sodium salt of hydrocyanic acid and Cyanogran. Immediate medical attention is required in the event of cyanide poisoning, as it is quickly fatal.

Sodium cyanide is used to extract gold and other precious metals from ore, and so metal mining operations consume most of the sodium cyanide production; see cyanide process for the use in gold mining. Accidents with cyanide solutions are a severe danger to aquatic ecosystems.

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See also

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