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Chemical Datasheet

HYDROGEN CYANIDE, ANHYDROUS, STABILIZED

6.1 - Poison Inhalation Hazard 3 - Flammable liquid
Chemical Identifiers | Hazards | Response Recommendations | Physical Properties | Regulatory Information | Alternate Chemical Names

Chemical Identifiers

The Chemical Identifier fields include common identification numbers, the NFPA diamond U.S. Department of Transportation hazard labels, and a general description of the chemical. The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of data sources.
CAS Number UN/NA Number DOT Hazard Label USCG CHRIS Code
  • 74-90-8   (HYDROGEN CYANIDE)
  • Poison Inhalation Hazard
  • Flammable Liquid
NIOSH Pocket Guide International Chem Safety Card
Hydrogen cyanideexternal_link
NFPA 704
Diamond Hazard Value Description
4
4 1
Blue Health 4 Can be lethal.
Red Flammability 4 Burns readily. Rapidly or completely vaporizes at atmospheric pressure and normal ambient temperature.
Yellow Instability 1 Normally stable but can become unstable at elevated temperatures and pressures.
White Special
(NFPA, 2010)
General Description
A deadly human poison by all routes. Very volatile.

Colorless or pale-blue liquid or gas (above 78°F) with a bitter, almond-like odor. Often used as a 96% solution in water. (NIOSH, 2022)

Hazards

The Hazard fields include special hazard alerts air and water reactions, fire hazards, health hazards, a reactivity profile, and details about reactive groups assignments and potentially incompatible absorbents. The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of data sources.
Reactivity Alerts
Air & Water Reactions
Highly flammable. Flame may easily travel back to source of leak. Vapors forms explosive mixtures with air. Soluble in water.
Fire Hazard
Unstabilized hydrocyanic acid may polymerize spontaneously with explosive violence. Flashback along vapor trail may occur. The explosion hazard is severe when this material is exposed to heat, flame, or oxidizers. It forms explosive mixtures with air, and will react with water, steam, acid, or acid fumes to produce highly toxic fumes of cyanides. It may decompose explosively upon contact with alkaline material. Avoid acetylaldehyde, alkaline materials, oxidizers, water, steam, acid, and acid fumes. Hydrocyanic acid solution is sensitive to light. It may become unstable and subject to explosion if stored for an extended time or exposed to high temperature and pressure. Avoid heat, flame or oxidizers. Hazardous polymerization may occur. Unstabilized hydrocyanic acid may polymerize spontaneously with explosive violence. Can polymerize at 122-140F or when catalyzed with traces of alkali. (EPA, 1998)
Health Hazard
It is super toxic. Breathing in a small amount of the gas or swallowing a very small amount may be fatal. Average fatal dose is 50-60 mg. A few minutes of exposure to 300 ppm may result in death. Exposure to 150 ppm for 1/2 to 1 hour may endanger life. (EPA, 1998)
Reactivity Profile
HYDROGEN CYANIDE, ANHYDROUS presents a severe explosion hazard when exposed to oxidizing agents. The vapors form explosive mixtures with air. May polymerize explosively at elevated temperature (50-60°C) or in the presence of traces of alkali [Wohler, L. et al., Chem. Ztg., 1926, 50, p. 761, 781]. In the absence of a stabilizer (such as phosphoric acid), may undergo explosively rapid spontaneous (autocatalytic) polymerization leading to a fire. The reaction is autocatalytic because of ammonia formation. [Bond, J., Loss Prev. Bull., 1991, 101, p.3]. Dissolves in water to give weakly acidic solutions. Reacts violently with acetaldehyde. During the preparation of imidoester hydrochlorides, hydrogen chloride was rapidly passed over alcoholic hydrogen cyanide. An explosion ensued, even with cooling of the process [J. Org. Chem., 1955, 20, 1573].
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents

Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbents listed below. More info about absorbents, including situations to watch out for...

Response Recommendations

The Response Recommendation fields include isolation and evacuation distances, as well as recommendations for firefighting, non-fire response, protective clothing, and first aid. The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of data sources.
Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from ERG Guide 117 Polymerizable warning [Gases - Toxic - Flammable (Extreme Hazard); polymerization hazard]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.

SPILL: See ERG Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances on the UN/NA 1051 datasheet.

FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2020)
Firefighting
Firefighting should be done from a safe distance. A few whiffs of gas, or liquid penetrating firefighter's protective clothing, could be fatal. Only special protective clothing should be worn. Water spray should be used to keep containers cool. Keep unnecessary people away; isolate hazard area and deny entry. Stay upwind; keep out of low areas. Ventilate closed spaces before entering them. Wear positive pressure breathing apparatus and special protective clothing. Evacuate area endangered by gas. Isolate for 1/2 mile in all directions if tank car or truck is involved in fire.

Use dry chemicals, alcohol foam, or carbon dioxide. Small fires: let burn unless leak can be stopped immediately. Large fires: water spray, fog or foam. Move container from fire area if you can do it without risk. Stay away from ends of tanks. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety device or any discoloration of tank due to fire. Cool container with water using unmanned device until well after fire is out. Isolate area until gas has dispersed. (EPA, 1998)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from ERG Guide 117 Polymerizable warning [Gases - Toxic - Flammable (Extreme Hazard); polymerization hazard]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. Do not direct water at spill or source of leak. If possible, turn leaking containers so that gas escapes rather than liquid. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Isolate area until gas has dispersed. Consider igniting spill or leak to eliminate toxic gas concerns. (ERG, 2020)
Protective Clothing
Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Hydrogen cyanideexternal link:

Skin: PREVENT SKIN CONTACT - Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.

Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.

Wash skin: WHEN CONTAMINATED - The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated.

Remove: WHEN WET (FLAMMABLE) - Work clothing that becomes wet should be immediately removed due to its flammability hazard (i.e., for liquids with a flash point <100°F).

Change: No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change clothing after the workshift.

Provide:
• EYEWASH - Eyewash fountains should be provided in areas where there is any possibility that workers could be exposed to the substances; this is irrespective of the recommendation involving the wearing of eye protection.
• QUICK DRENCH - Facilities for quickly drenching the body should be provided within the immediate work area for emergency use where there is a possibility of exposure. [Note: It is intended that these facilities provide a sufficient quantity or flow of water to quickly remove the substance from any body areas likely to be exposed. The actual determination of what constitutes an adequate quick drench facility depends on the specific circumstances. In certain instances, a deluge shower should be readily available, whereas in others, the availability of water from a sink or hose could be considered adequate.] (NIOSH, 2023)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
Tychem® Fabric Legend
QS = Tychem 2000 SFR
QC = Tychem 2000
SL = Tychem 4000
C3 = Tychem 5000
TF = Tychem 6000
TP = Tychem 6000 FR
RC = Tychem RESPONDER® CSM
TK = Tychem 10000
RF = Tychem 10000 FR
Testing Details
The fabric permeation data was generated for DuPont by a third party laboratory. Permeation data for industrial chemicals is obtained per ASTM F739. Normalized breakthrough times (the time at which the permeation rate exceeds 0.1 μg/cm2/min) are reported in minutes. All chemicals have been tested between approximately 20°C and 27°C unless otherwise stated. All chemicals have been tested at a concentration of greater than 95% unless otherwise stated.
Chemical warfare agents (Lewisite, Sarin, Soman, Sulfur Mustard, Tabun and VX Nerve Agent) have been tested at 22°C and 50% relative humidity per military standard MIL-STD-282. "Breakthrough time" for chemical warfare agents is defined as the time when the cumulative mass which permeated through the fabric exceeds the limit in MIL-STD-282 [either 1.25 or 4.0 μg/cm2].
A Caution from DuPont
This information is based upon technical data that DuPont believes to be reliable on the date issued. It is subject to revision as additional knowledge and experience are gained. The information reflects laboratory performance of fabrics, not complete garments, under controlled conditions. It is intended for informational use by persons having technical skill for evaluation under their specific end-use conditions, at their own discretion and risk. It is the user's responsibility to determine the level of toxicity and the proper personal protective equipment needed. Anyone intending to use this information should first verify that the garment selected is suitable for the intended use. In many cases, seams and closures have shorter breakthrough times and higher permeation rates than the fabric. If fabric becomes torn,abraded or punctured, or if seams or closures fail, or if attached gloves, visors, etc. are damaged, end user should discontinue use of garment to avoid potential exposure to chemical. Since conditions of use are outside our control, DuPont makes no warranties, express or implied, including, without limitation, no warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular use and assume no liability in connection with any use of this information. This information is not intended as a license to operate under or a recommendation to infringe any patent, trademark or technical information of DuPont or others covering any material or its use.
Normalized Breakthrough Times (in Minutes)
Chemical CAS Number State QS QC SL C3 TF TP RC TK RF
Hydrogen cyanide (21°C, liquid) 74-90-8 Liquid 135 >480 135
Hydrogen cyanide (27°C, gaseous) 74-90-8 Vapor 30 >480 >480 >480
> indicates greater than.

Special Warning from DuPont: Tychem® and Tyvek® fabrics should not be used around heat, flames, sparks or in potentially flammable or explosive environments. Only...

...Tychem® ThermoPro, Tychem® Reflector® and Tychem® TK styles 600T/601T (with aluminized outer suit) garments are designed and tested to help reduce burn injury during escape from a flash fire. Users of Tychem® ThermoPro, Tychem® Reflector® and Tychem® TK styles 600T/601T (with aluminized outer suit) garments should not knowingly enter an explosive environment. Tychem® garments with attached socks must be worn inside protective outer footwear and are not suitable as outer footwear. These attached socks do not have adequate durability or slip resistance to be worn as the outer foot covering.

(DuPont, 2023)

First Aid
Warning: Hydrocyanic acid may be fatal if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through skin or mucous membranes. Caution is advised.

Signs and Symptoms of Acute Hydrocyanic Acid Exposure: Signs and symptoms of acute exposure to hydrocyanic acid may include hypertension (high blood pressure) and tachycardia (rapid heart rate), followed by hypotension (low blood pressure) and bradycardia (slow heart rate). Cherry red mucous membranes and blood may be noted. Cardiac arrhythmias and other cardiac abnormalities are common. Cyanosis (blue tint to the skin and mucous membranes) may be observed. Weakness, headache, vertigo (dizziness), agitation, giddiness, salivation, nausea, and vomiting, may be followed by combative behavior, convulsions, paralysis, protruding eyeballs, dilated and unreactive pupils, and coma. Tachypnea (rapid, shallow respirations) or hyperpnea (rapid, deep respirations) may be followed by respiratory depression. Lung hemorrhage and pulmonary edema may also occur. Hydrocyanic acid is may be irritating to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Lacrimation (tearing) and a burning sensation of the mouth and throat are common.

Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to hydrocyanic acid may require decontamination and life support for the victims. All exposed persons should be transported to a health care facility as quickly as possible. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.

Inhalation Exposure:
1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to hydrocyanic acid.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. IMMEDIATELY begin administering 100% oxygen to all victims. Monitor victims for respiratory distress.Warning: To prevent self-poisoning, avoid mouth-to-mouth breathing; use a forced-oxygen mask. Direct oral contact with hydrocyanic acid- contaminated persons or their gastric contents can result in self- poisoning.
3. RUSH to a health care facility!
4. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.

Dermal/Eye Exposure:
1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self- exposure to hydrocyanic acid.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. IMMEDIATELY begin administering 100% oxygen to all victims. Monitor victims for respiratory distress.Warning: To prevent self-poisoning, avoid mouth-to-mouth breathing; use a forced-oxygen mask. Direct oral contact with hydrocyanic acid- contaminated persons or their gastric contents can result in self- poisoning.
3. RUSH to a health care facility!
4. Remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible.
5. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.
6. Wash exposed skin areas twice with soap and water.
7. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.

Ingestion Exposure:
1. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. IMMEDIATELY begin administering 100% oxygen to all victims. Monitor victims for respiratory distress.Warning: To prevent self-poisoning, avoid mouth-to-mouth breathing; use a forced-oxygen mask. Direct oral contact with hydrocyanic acid- contaminated persons or their gastric contents can result in self- poisoning.
2. RUSH to a health care facility!
3. DO NOT induce vomiting or attempt to neutralize!
4. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
5. Activated charcoal may be administered if victims are conscious and alert. Use 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) for children, 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) for adults, with 125 to 250 mL (1/2 to 1 cup) of water.
6. Promote excretion by administering a saline cathartic or sorbitol to conscious and alert victims. Children require 15 to 30 g (1/2 to 1 oz) of cathartic; 50 to 100 g (1-3/4 to 3-1/2 oz) is recommended for adults. (EPA, 1998)

Physical Properties

The Physical Property fields include properties such as vapor pressure and boiling point, as well as explosive limits and toxic exposure thresholds The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of data sources.

Note: For Vapor Density and Specific Gravity, comparing the value to 1.0 can tell you if the chemical will likely sink/rise in air or sink/float in fresh water (respectively). Short phrases have been added to those values below as an aid. However, make sure to also consider the circumstances of a release. The Vapor Density comparisons are only valid when the gas escaping is at the same temperature as the surrounding air itself. If the chemical is escaping from a container where it was pressurized or refrigerated, it may first escape and behave as a heavy gas and sink in the air (even if it has a Vapor Density value less than 1). Also, the Specific Gravity comparisons are for fresh water (density 1.0 g/mL). If your spill is in salt water (density about 1.027 g/mL), you need to adjust the point of comparison. There are some chemicals that will sink in fresh water and float in salt water.
Chemical Formula:
  • CHN
Flash Point: 0°F (96%) (NIOSH, 2023)
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): 5.6 % (NIOSH, 2023)
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): 40 % (NIOSH, 2023)
Autoignition Temperature: 1004°F (USCG, 1999)
Melting Point: 7°F (96%) (NIOSH, 2023)
Vapor Pressure: 630 mmHg (NIOSH, 2023)
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): 0.901 (EPA, 1998) - Lighter than air; will rise
Specific Gravity: 0.69 (NIOSH, 2023) - Less dense than water; will float
Boiling Point: 78°F at 760 mmHg (96%) (NIOSH, 2023)
Molecular Weight: 27 (NIOSH, 2023)
Water Solubility: Miscible (NIOSH, 2023)
Ionization Energy/Potential: 13.60 eV (NIOSH, 2023)
IDLH: 50 ppm (NIOSH, 2023)

AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)

Final AEGLs for Hydrogen cyanide (74-90-8)
Exposure Period AEGL-1 AEGL-2 AEGL-3
10 minutes 2.5 ppm 17 ppm 27 ppm
30 minutes 2.5 ppm 10 ppm 21 ppm
60 minutes 2 ppm 7.1 ppm 15 ppm
4 hours 1.3 ppm 3.5 ppm 8.6 ppm
8 hours 1 ppm 2.5 ppm 6.6 ppm
(NAC/NRC, 2023)

ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)

Chemical ERPG-1 ERPG-2 ERPG-3
Hydrogen Cyanide (74-90-8) NA 10 ppm 25 ppm
NA = not appropriate.
(AIHA, 2022)

PACs (Protective Action Criteria)

Chemical PAC-1 PAC-2 PAC-3
Hydrogen cyanide; (Hydrocyanic acid) (74-90-8) 2 ppm 7.1 ppm 15 ppm LEL = 56000 ppm
(DOE, 2018)

Regulatory Information

The Regulatory Information fields include information from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Title III Consolidated List of Lists, the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards, and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals Standard List (see more about these data sources).

EPA Consolidated List of Lists

Regulatory Name CAS Number/
313 Category Code
EPCRA 302
EHS TPQ
EPCRA 304
EHS RQ
CERCLA RQ EPCRA 313
TRI
RCRA
Code
CAA 112(r)
RMP TQ
Cyanide Compounds N106 & 313
Hydrocyanic acid 74-90-8 100 pounds 10 pounds 10 pounds X P063 2500 pounds
Hydrogen cyanide 74-90-8 100 pounds 10 pounds 10 pounds 313 P063 2500 pounds

(EPA List of Lists, 2022)

CISA Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)

RELEASE THEFT SABOTAGE
Chemical of Interest CAS Number Min Conc STQ Security
Issue
Min Conc STQ Security
Issue
Min Conc STQ Security
Issue
Hydrocyanic acid 74-90-8 1.00 % 2500 pounds toxic
Hydrogen cyanide; [Hydrocyanic acid] 74-90-8 4.67 % 15 pounds WME

(CISA, 2007)

OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List

Chemical Name CAS Number Threshold Quantity (TQ)
Hydrogen Cyanide, Anhydrous 74-90-8 1000 pounds

(OSHA, 2019)

Alternate Chemical Names

This section provides a listing of alternate names for this chemical, including trade names and synonyms.