Product Identification

Product Name

Guanidine thiocyanate

Synonyms

Guanidine isothiocyanate
Guanidinium rhodanide
Guanidinium thiocyanate
Thiocyanic acid, compound with guanidine (1:1)

CAS

593-84-0

Formula

C2H6N4S

Molecular Weight

118.16

EINECS

209-812-1

RTECS

XL1225000

RTECS Class

Other

Beilstein/Gmelin

3563461

Beilstein Reference

4-03-00-00299

EC Index Number

615-004-00-3

EC Class

harmful

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance

White powder.

Solubility in water

1420 g/L (20 C)

Melting Point

118

Density

1.29 g/cm3 (20 C)

Usage

A powerful chaotropic agent.

First Aid Measures

Ingestion

Do NOT induce vomiting. If victim is conscious and alert, give 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical aid immediately.

Inhalation

Remove from exposure to fresh air immediately. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get medical aid. DO NOT use mouth-to-mouth respiration.

Skin

Get medical aid. Immediately flush skin with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse. Destroy contaminated shoes.

Eyes

Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical aid immediately. Do NOT allow victim to rub or keep eyes closed.

Handling and Storage

Storage

Do not store in direct sunlight. Keep container closed when not in use. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances. Store protected from light.

Handling

Wash thoroughly after handling. Use with adequate ventilation. Minimize dust generation and accumulation. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Avoid ingestion and inhalation. Store protected from light. Discard contaminated shoes.

Hazards Identification

Inhalation

May cause effects similar to those described for ingestion. Exposure produces central nervous system depression. Causes irritation of mucous membrane. At high concentrations, isocyanates affect mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and may lead to fatal pulmonary edema. Exposure to low and often even unmeasurable isocyanate concentration results in sensitization. In rare instances, exposure may cause sensitization, resulting in inflammation of the mucous membranes and in eczematous eruptions.

Skin

Causes skin irritation. May cause skin sensitization, an allergic reaction, which becomes evident upon re-exposure to this material. In the presence of moisture, this material may be absorbed through the skin. If absorbed, may cause symptoms similar to those for ingestion.

Eyes

Causes eye irritation. May cause conjunctivitis, ulceration and turbidity of the cornea.

Ingestion

May cause irritation of the digestive tract. May cause liver and kidney damage. Ingestion of thiocyanates may cause disorientation, weakness, low blood pressure, confusion, psychotic behavior, muscular spasms, convulsions, and death.

Hazards

Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas.

EC Risk Phrase

R 20/21/22 32

EC Safety Phrase

S 13

UN (DOT)

2811

Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Personal Protection

Eyes: Wear appropriate protective eyeglasses or chemical safety goggles as described by OSHA's eye and face protection regulations in 29 CFR 1910.133 or European Standard EN166. Skin: Wear appropriate protective gloves to prevent skin exposure. Clothing: Wear appropriate protective clothing to prevent skin exposure.

Respirators

Follow the OSHA respirator regulations found in 29CFR 1910.134 or European Standard EN 149. Always use a NIOSH or European Standard EN 149 approved respirator when necessary.

Exposure Effects

May cause liver and kidney damage. Effects may be delayed. May cause lung damage. Repeated or prolonged exposure may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Inhalation of product may aggravate existing chronic repiratory problems such as asthma, emphysema or bronchitis.

Poison Class

3

Fire Fighting Measures

Fire Fighting

Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full protective gear. During a fire, irritating and highly toxic gases may be generated by thermal decomposition or combustion. To extinguish fire use water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or appropriate foam.

Fire Potential

Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes.

Accidental Release Measures

Small spills/leaks

Wash area with soap and water. Clean up spills immediately, using the appropriate protective equipment. Sweep up, then place into a suitable container for disposal. Avoid generating dusty conditions. Provide ventilation.

Stability and Reactivity

Stability

Stable under normal temperatures and pressures.

Incompatibilities

Strong bases, strong oxidizing agents, water, acids.

Decomposition

Hydrogen cyanide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, oxides of sulfur, carbon dioxide, cyanide fumes, hydrocarbons.

Combustion Products

Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.

Transport Information

UN Number

2811

Hazard Class

6.1

Packing Group

I; II; III

HS Code

2925 20 00