BARIUM CYANIDE Chemical Properties

Boiling point:

42.5°C

solubility 

very soluble in H2O; soluble in ethanol

form 

white crystalline powder

color 

white crystals, crystalline powder

Water Solubility 

80.0 g/100mL H2O (14°C) [CRC10]; soluble alcohol [HAW93]

Stability:

Stable. Reacts with acids to yield toxic gas.

EPA Substance Registry System

Barium cyanide (542-62-1)

Safety Information

RIDADR 

1565

HazardClass 

6.1(a)

PackingGroup 

I

HS Code 

28371990

Hazardous Substances Data

542-62-1(Hazardous Substances Data)

BARIUM CYANIDE Usage And Synthesis

Description

Barium cyanide is a white crystalline powder.Often used in solution. Molecular weight=139.4; Heatof combustion=260.5 3 105 J/kg; Heat of solution 5(exothermic)=26.19 3 105 J/kg. Hazard Identification(based on NFPA-704 M Rating System): Health 3,Flammability 0, Reactivity 0. Soluble in water;solubility=80 g/100 cc at 14℃.

Chemical Properties

Barium cyanide is a white crystalline powder. Often used in solution.

Physical properties

White crystalline powder; slowly decomposes in air; highly soluble in water, soluble in alcohol.

Uses

In electroplating processes; in metallurgy.

Preparation

Barium cyanide is prepared by reacting barium hydroxide with hydrocyanic acid:
Ba(OH)₂ + 2HCN → Ba(CN)₂ +2H₂O
The product is crystallized from the solution.

General Description

A white crystalline solid. Toxic by skin absorption through open wounds, by ingestion, and by inhalation of hydrogen cyanide from decomposition. Toxic oxides of nitrogen are produced in fires involving BARIUM CYANIDE.

Air & Water Reactions

Soluble in water. Gradually decomposed by water and rapidly decomposed by acids to give off hydrogen cyanide, a flammable poison gas.

Reactivity Profile

BARIUM CYANIDE is an inorganic cyanide. Members of this class that contain heavy metals tend to explosive instability, most of them are capable of violent oxidation under certain conditions; fusion of metal cyanides with metal chlorates, perchlorates, nitrates, or nitrites can cause violent explosion [Bretherick 1979 p. 101].

Hazard

Questionable carcinogen.

Health Hazard

INHALATION OR INGESTION: Exposure to cyanides can cause headache, vertigo, nausea, and vomiting may occur at low concentrations. High concentration causes difficult breathing, palpitation, paralysis, unconsciousness, respiratory arrest, cyanosis, and death. EYES: Irritation. SKIN: Rash, desquamation and itching.

Fire Hazard

Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Toxic cyanides and barium oxides.

Safety Profile

A deadly poison. See also CYANIDE and BARIUM COMPOUNDS (soluble). When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of CN-.

Potential Exposure

Barium cyanide is used in electroplating and in metallurgy.

First aid

cal attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the skin,remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately withsoap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. If thischemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure, beginrescue breathing (using universal precautions, includingresuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if heartaction has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical facility.When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and induce vomiting. Donot make an unconscious person vomit. If cyanide poisoningis confirmed, use amyl nitrate capsules if symptoms develop.All area employees should be trained regularly in emergencymeasures for cyanide poisoning and in CPR. A cyanide antidote kit should be kept in the immediate work area and mustbe rapidly available. Kit ingredients should be replacedevery 1
2 years to ensure freshness. Persons trained in theuse of this kit, oxygen use, and CPR must be quickly available. See also First Aid section in “Barium” entry.If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove anycontact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least15 min, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medi

storage

Color Code—Blue: Health Hazard/Poison: Storein a secure poison location. Barium cyanide must be storedto avoid contact with acids; acid salt (such as potassiumbisulfate, calcium biphosphate and calcium nitrate); carbondioxide and strong oxidizers (such as nitrates, chlorates andchlorine) since violent reactions occur. Store in tightlyclosed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area

Shipping

UN1565 Barium cyanide, Hazard Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1—Poisonous materials.

Incompatibilities

Solution is basic. Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates, nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Keep away from alkaline materials, strong acids, & acid salts (release toxic hydrogen cyanide gas), strong bases.

Waste Disposal

Precipitate barium with sulfate. Then add with stirring to alkaline calcium hypochlorite solution. Let stand 24 hours, then flush to sewer.

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