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Potassium cyanide (as CN)																				Related Pages
Synonyms & Trade Names
			Potassium salt of hydrocyanic acid
CAS No.
			151-50-8
	RTECS No.
			TS8750000
	DOT ID & Guide
			1680 157(solid)3413 157(solution)

FormulaKCN
	Conversion
	IDLH
			25 mg/m3 (as CN)See: cyanides

Exposure Limits
			NIOSH RELC 5 mg/m3 (4.7 ppm) [10-minute] [*Note: The REL also applies to other cyanides (as CN) except Hydrogen cyanide.]
					OSHA PEL TWA 5 mg/m3 [*Note: The PEL also applies to other cyanides (as CN) except Hydrogen cyanide.]
	Measurement Methods
			**NIOSH** 6010 , 7904;**OSHA** ID120
					
					See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
										
Physical Description
			White, granular or crystalline solid with a faint, almond-like odor.													
										
Molecular Weight65.1	
	Boiling Point2957°F
	Melting Point1173°F
	Solubility(77°F): 72%
	Vapor Pressure0 mmHg (approx)
	Ionization PotentialNA											
Specific Gravity1.55	
	Flash PointNA
	Upper Explosive LimitNA
	Lower Explosive LimitNA
Noncombustible Solid, but contact with acids releases highly flammable hydrogen cyanide.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
			Strong oxidizers (such as acids, acid salts, chlorates & nitrates)
					[Note: Absorbs moisture from the air forming a syrup.]
Exposure Routes
			inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
			irritation eyes, skin, upper respiratory system; asphyxia; lassitude (weakness, exhaustion), headache, confusion; nausea, vomiting; increased resp rate, slow gasping respiration; thyroid, blood changes
Target Organs
			Eyes, skin, respiratory system, cardiovascular system, central nervous system, thyroid, blood
										
Personal Protection/Sanitation
			(See protection codes) **Skin:**Prevent skin contact
							**Eyes:**Prevent eye contact
							**Wash skin:**When contaminated
							**Remove:**When wet or contaminated
							**Change:**Daily
							**Provide:**Eyewash, Quick drench
	First Aid
			(See procedures)**Eye:**Irrigate immediately
							**Skin:**Soap wash immediately
							**Breathing:**Respiratory support
							**Swallow:**Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations
			**NIOSH/OSHA****Up to 25 mg/m3**: (APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece**Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:** (APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus**Escape:** (APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted canister providing protection against the compound of concern and having an N100, R100, or P100 filter. Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
				Important additional information about respirator selection
See also
			INTRODUCTION
					  ICSC CARD: 0671

			
							

			Page last reviewed:  October 30, 2019						Content
							source: 	National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
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A – NIOSH Potential Occupational Carcinogens
B – Thirteen OSHA-Regulated Carcinogens
C – Supplementary Exposure Limits
D – Substances with No Established RELs
E – OSHA Respirator Requirements for Selected Chemicals
F – Miscellaneous Notes
G – 1989 Air Contaminants Update Project: Exposure Limits NOT in Effect
Type C & CE – Definitions for Type C and Type CE Respirators
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