Although only slightly soluble in water, it dissolves readily in organic solvents. Its vapour, heavier than air, is very irritating to the eyes and mucus membranes. Cyanogen chlorides pungent, biting odour is marked by its irritating lachrymatory properties. Normally cyanogen chloride is non persistent. The cyanide group, not being ionised, does not react well with the metal salts found in respirator charcoals.
Automatic detectors are available which detect attack concentrations of vapour.
Draeger tm tubes are also available, as are water testing kits. See hydrogen cyanide . Mechanism of Action. Cyanogen chloride acts in two ways. It systemic effects are similar to those of hydrogen cyanide but it also has local irritant effects on the eyes, upper respiratory tract and lungs.