Chemical Datasheet
HYDROGEN CYANIDE, ANHYDROUS, STABILIZED |
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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 |
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NIOSH Pocket Guide | International Chem Safety Card | ||
Hydrogen cyanide |
NFPA 704
Diamond | Hazard | Value | Description | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
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4 | Can be lethal. | |||||||||
|
4 | Burns readily. Rapidly or completely vaporizes at atmospheric pressure and normal ambient temperature. | ||||||||||
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1 | Normally stable but can become unstable at elevated temperatures and pressures. | ||||||||||
|
(NFPA, 2010)
General Description
A chemical warfare blood agent. 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, 2024)
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, 2024)
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
- Highly Flammable
- Polymerizable
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
For information on chemical warfare blood agents see the ERG Criminal or Terrorist Use of CBR Agents. (ERG, 2024)
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)
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
For information on chemical warfare blood agents see the ERG Criminal or Terrorist Use of CBR Agents. (ERG, 2024)
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)
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...
- Mineral-Based & Clay-Based Absorbents
- Dirt/Earth
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
For initial isolation and protective action distances for chemical warfare blood agents see the Chemical Warfare Agents table in the ERG Criminal or Terrorist Use of CBR Agents. (ERG, 2024)
Excerpt from ERG Guide 117
[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 tank car or highway tank 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, 2024)
Excerpt from ERG Guide 117
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 tank car or highway tank 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, 2024)
Firefighting
For information on chemical warfare blood agents see the ERG Criminal or Terrorist Use of CBR Agents. (ERG, 2024)
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)
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
For information on chemical warfare blood agents see the ERG Criminal or Terrorist Use of CBR Agents. (ERG, 2024)
Excerpt from ERG Guide 117
[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, 2024)
Excerpt from ERG Guide 117
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, 2024)
Protective Clothing
For information on chemical warfare blood agents see the ERG Criminal or Terrorist Use of CBR Agents. (ERG, 2024)
Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Hydrogen cyanide
:
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, 2024)
Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Hydrogen cyanide
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, 2024)
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.
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, 2024)
First Aid
For information on chemical warfare blood agents see the ERG Criminal or Terrorist Use of CBR Agents. (ERG, 2024)
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)
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.
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: |
|
Flash Point:
0°F
(96%)
(NIOSH, 2024)
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL):
5.6 %
(NIOSH, 2024)
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL):
40 %
(NIOSH, 2024)
Autoignition Temperature:
1004°F
(USCG, 1999)
Melting Point:
7°F
(96%)
(NIOSH, 2024)
Vapor Pressure:
630 mmHg
(NIOSH, 2024)
Vapor Density (Relative to Air):
0.901
(EPA, 1998)
- Lighter than air; will rise
Specific Gravity:
0.69
(NIOSH, 2024)
- Less dense than water; will float
Boiling Point:
78°F
at 760 mmHg
(96%)
(NIOSH, 2024)
Molecular Weight:
27
(NIOSH, 2024)
Water Solubility:
Miscible
(NIOSH, 2024)
Ionization Energy/Potential:
13.60 eV
(NIOSH, 2024)
IDLH:
50 ppm
(NIOSH, 2024)
AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)
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, 2024)
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, 2024)
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 |
- "X" indicates that this is a second name for an EPCRA section 313 chemical already included on this consolidated list. May also indicate that the same chemical with the same CAS number appears on another list with a different chemical name.
- & indicates that no RQ is assigned to this generic or broad class, although the class is a CERCLA hazardous substance. See 50 Federal Register 13456 (April 4, 1985).
(EPA List of Lists, 2024)
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 |
- WME = weapons of mass effect.
(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.
- AC (CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENT)
- AERO LIQUID HCN
- CARBON HYDRIDE NITRIDE (CHN)
- CYCLON
- CYCLONE B
- EVERCYN
- FORMIC ANAMMONIDE
- FORMONITRILE
- HYDROCYANIC ACID
- HYDROGEN CYANIDE
- HYDROGEN CYANIDE (HYDROCYANIC ACID)
- HYDROGEN CYANIDE, ANHYDROUS, STABILIZED
- HYDROGEN CYANIDE, STABILIZED
- HYDROGEN CYANIDE, [ANHYDROUS, STABILIZED]
- PRUSSIC ACID
- ZACLONDISCOIDS