Sodium cyanide

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Sodium cyanide
Molecular formula	NaCN
Molar mass	49.01 g/mol
Appearance	white solid
CAS number	[143-33-9]
Properties
Density and phase	1.6 g/cm³, solid
Solubility in water	48 g/100 ml (10°C)
Solubility in other solvents	soluble in alcohols
Melting point	564°C (837 K)
Boiling point	1496°C (1769 K)
Structure
Coordination geometry	?
Crystal structure	?
Hazards
MSDS	External MSDS
EU classification	Very toxic (T+) Dangerous for the environment (N)
R-phrases	Template:R26/27/28, Template:R32 Template:R50/53
S-phrases	Template:S1/2, Template:S7, Template:S28, Template:S29 Template:S45, Template:S60, Template:S61
Supplementary data page
Structure & properties	n, ε_r, etc.
Thermodynamic data	Phase behaviour Solid, liquid, gas
Spectral data	UV, IR, NMR, MS
Related compounds
Other cations	Potassium cyanide
Related compounds	Hydrogen cyanide
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25°C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references

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. Like the similar potassium cyanide, NaCN has a smell like bitter almonds, but not everyone can smell it.

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.

1 Toxicity
2 Source
3 See also
4 External links

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Toxicity

Template:Main Cyanide salts are among the most rapidly acting of all known poisons. Cyanide is a potent inhibitor of respiration, acting on mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase and hence blocking electron transport. This results in decreased oxidative metabolism and oxygen utilization. Lactic acidosis then occurs as a consequence of anaerobic metabolism. Initially, acute cyanide poisoning causes a red or ruddy complexion in the victim because the tissues are not able to use the oxygen in the blood.

The effects of sodium cyanide are similar to potassium cyanide. Once more than 100–200 mg of sodium cyanide is consumed, consciousness is lost within one minute, sometimes within 10 seconds, depending on the strength of the body's immunity and the amount of food present in the stomach. After a span of about 45 minutes, the body goes into a state of coma or deep sleep and the person may die within two hours if not treated medically. During this period, convulsions may occur. Death occurs mainly by cardiac arrest.

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Source

Institut national de recherche et de sécurité (1997). "Cyanure de sodium. Cyanure de potassium". Fiche toxicologique n° 111, Paris:INRS, 6pp. (PDF file, in French)

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