Sodium Cyanide

1Identification

Name

Sodium Cyanide

IUPAC name

sodium cyanide

CAS number

143-33-9

EC number

205-599-4

Molecular formula

CNNa

Molecular weight

49.007 g/mol

InChIKey

MNWBNISUBARLIT-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

[C-]#N.[Na+]

PubChem CID

8929

Synonyms

SODIUM CYANIDE, Cymag, Cyanogran, Cyanide of sodium, NaCN, Cyanobrik, Sodium cyanide (Na(CN)), Cyanasalt H, Cyanasalt S, Kyanid sodny, Cianuro di sodio, Cyanure de sodium, Hydrocyanic acid, sodium salt, M-44 cyanide capsules

Recommended uses

• Used to clean metals, chelate compounds, and extract gold and silver; Used to manufacture dyes, agricultural chemicals, and pharmaceuticals; Also used in electroplating, heat treating, and metal stripping; Used as a rodenticide (killing coyote, fox, and wild dogs) and insecticide (fumigating trucks and post-harvest application to fruit trees); [HSDB]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Steel Producing [Category: Industry] Electroplating [Category: Plate] Toxic Gas from Spilling Chemical in Water [Category: Other]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• /Former use/ Fumigating citrus and other fruit trees, ships, railway cars, warehouses
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Ion exchange agent Reducing agent Dusting agent Intermediate Flotation agent Leaching agent Plating agent
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Description

• Sodium cyanide appears as a white crystalline solid, lump solid or powder. A deadly human poison by ingestion. Toxic by skin absorption through open wounds, by ingestion, and by inhalation of dust.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Sodium cyanide solution appears as a clear colorless aqueous solution.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Sodium cyanide is a cyanide salt containing equal numbers of sodium cations and cyanide anions. It has a role as an EC 1.15.1.1 (superoxide dismutase) inhibitor. It is a sodium salt, a cyanide salt and a one-carbon compound.
  ChEBI

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Danger

Pictograms

GHS05, GHS06, GHS07, GHS08, GHS09

Classification source

European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

3 classification records exist across sources. Differences usually reflect purity, physical form or impurities.

NFPA 704 rating

• 3 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause serious or permanent injury.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 0 - Materials that will not burn under typical fire conditions, including intrinsically noncombustible materials such as concrete, stone, and sand.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 0 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Health hazards

• Super toxic; probable oral lethal dose in humans is less than 5 mg/kg or a taste (less than 7 drops) for a 70 kg (150 lb.) person. Sodium cyanide is poisonous and may be fatal if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through the skin. Contact with sodium cyanide may cause burns to skin and eyes. Individuals with chronic diseases of the kidneys, respiratory tract, skin, or thyroid are at greater risk of developing toxic cyanide effects. (EPA, 1998)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Excerpt from ERG Guide 157 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible / Water-Sensitive)]: TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors, dusts or substance may cause severe injury, burns or death. Reaction with water or moist air may release toxic, corrosive or flammable gases. Reaction with water may generate much heat that will increase the concentration of fumes in the air. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause environmental contamination. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• · TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors, dusts or substance may cause severe injury, burns or death. · Reaction with water or moist air may release toxic, corrosive or flammable gases. · Reaction with water may generate much heat that will increase the concentration of fumes in the air. · Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. · Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause environmental contamination.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Fire hazards

• Sodium cyanide is not combustible itself, but contact with acids releases highly flammable hydrogen cyanide gas. Fire may produce irritating or poisonous gases. Runoff from fire control water may give off poisonous gases. Container may explode in the heat of fire. Avoid strong oxidizers such as nitrates and chlorates; acids and acid salts. Avoid contact with acids. Aqueous solutions rapidly decompose. (EPA, 1998)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Excerpt from ERG Guide 157 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible / Water-Sensitive)]: Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. UN1802, UN2032, UN3084, UN3093, UN1796 (above 50%), UN1826 (above 50%), and UN2031 (above 65%) may act as oxidizers. Also consult ERG Guide 140. Vapors may accumulate in confined areas (basement, tanks, hopper/tank cars, etc.). Substance may react with water (some violently), releasing corrosive and/or toxic gases and runoff. Corrosives in contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated or if contaminated with water. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• · Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. · UN1802, UN2032, UN3084, UN3093, UN1796 (above 50%), UN1826 (above 50%), and UN2031 (above 65%) may act as oxidizers. Also consult GUIDE 140. · Vapors may accumulate in confined areas (basement, tanks, hopper/tank cars, etc.). · Substance may react with water (some violently), releasing corrosive and/or toxic gases and runoff. · Corrosives in contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. · Containers may explode when heated or if contaminated with water.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Hazards summary

• There are two common scenarios for cyanide poisoning in the industrial setting: 1) mixing acid and cyanide solutions, and 2) pouring cyanide wastes into non-alkaline solutions. Mixing cyanide salts with water, e.g., showering in clothes contaminated with cyanides, will generate hydrogen cyanide gas. Dermal absorption of cyanide salts deposited on large areas of skin can result in fatal poisoning. [Sullivan, p. 705-6] Liquid causes second degree burns after contact for a few minutes; [CHRIS] Corrosive to skin; [Quick CPC] A severe skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; [ICSC]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases

3Composition / information on ingredients

This page describes the pure substance. Commercial products may be solutions or mixtures. Check Section 3 of your supplier's SDS for concentrations and other ingredients.

4First-aid measures

• Warning: Heart palpitations may occur within minutes after exposure. Caution is advised. Effects may be delayed. Signs and Symptoms of Acute Sodium Cyanide Exposure: Signs and symptoms of acute exposure to sodium cyanide may include hypertension (high blood pressure) and tachycardia (rapid heart rate), followed by hypotension (low blood pressure) and bradycardia (slow heart rate). Cardiac arrhythmias and other cardiac abnormalities are common. Cyanosis (blue tint to the skin and mucous membranes) and cherry-red or bloody mucous membranes may occur. Tachypnea (rapid respiratory rate) may be followed by respiratory depression. Pulmonary edema and lung hemorrhage may also occur.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Excerpt from ERG Guide 157 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible / Water-Sensitive)]: Refer to the "General First Aid" section. Specific First Aid: For corrosives, in case of contact, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 30 minutes. Additional flushing may be required. In case of skin contact with Hydrofluoric acid (UN1790), if calcium gluconate gel is available, rinse 5 minutes, then apply gel. Otherwise, continue rinsing until medical treatment is available. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• General First Aid: · Call 911 or emergency medical service. · Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination. · Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely. · Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. · If victim is not breathing: -- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance. -- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• (General first aid procedures) Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately. Skin: Soap wash immediately - If this chemical contacts the skin, immediately wash the contaminated skin with soap and water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing, wash the skin with soap and water, and get medical attention promptly. Breathing: Respiratory support Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately.
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Symptoms of exposure

• Nausea. Dizziness. Drowsiness. Sore throat. Headache. Confusion. Weakness. Shortness of breath. Convulsions. Unconsciousness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• MAY BE ABSORBED! Redness. Pain. Further see Inhalation.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness. Pain. Further see Inhalation.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

5Fire-fighting measures

• Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers must not be used where cyanide salts are present. /Cyanide salts/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Wear chemical protective suit with self-contained breathing apparatus.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Avoid carbon dioxide extinguishers. Extinguish fire using agent suitable for surrounding fire. Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Hazardous combustion products

• Toxic oxides of nitrogen are produced in fires involving this material. /Sodium cyanide solution; sodium cyanide, solid/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Isolation and evacuation

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 157 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible / Water-Sensitive)]: IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. SPILL: See ERG Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances on the UN/NA 1689 datasheet. FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Immediate precautionary measure · Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. Spill · For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances. · For non-highlighted materials: increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary. Fire · If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Spill cleanup

• Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Ventilation. Sweep spilled substance into covered dry, sealable, labelled containers. Cautiously neutralize remainder with sodium hypochlorite solution.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• WASTE CYANIDE SALTS FROM CASE HARDENING OF STEEL ARE DESTROYED BY REACTING THE SALTS AT 650-700 °C WITH WASTE FERRIC HYDROXIDE SLUDGES FROM VARIOUS SOURCES. /CYANIDE SALTS/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Environmental considerations - Land spill: Dig a pit, pond, lagoon, or holding area to contain liquid or solid material. /SRP: If time permits, pits, ponds, lagoons, soak holes, or holding areas should be sealed with an impermeable flexible membrane liner./ Cover solids with a plastic sheet to prevent dissolving in rain or fire fighting water. /Sodium cyanide, solid/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Environmental considerations - Air spill: Apply water spray or mist to knock down vapors. Vapor knock down water is corrosive or toxic and should be diked for containment. /Sodium cyanide solution; sodium cyanide, solid/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Separated from strong oxidants, acids, food and feedstuffs, carbon dioxide and products containing water. Dry. Well closed. Keep in a well-ventilated room. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Separate from water, acids, carbon dioxide.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Cyanide salts as solids must be stored in sealed or tightly closed containers. No hooks should be used in handling cyanide containers. ... Storage areas must be adequately ventilated to ensure that cyanide concentrations do not exceed the recommended workplace environmental limits. /Cyanide salts/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• ALL CONTAINERS OF CYANIDE SALTS SHOULD BE KEPT COVERED OR IN EXHAUST HOOD WHEN NOT IN USE. /CYANIDES/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

Personal protective equipment

• Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Sodium cyanide (as CN): 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 OR CONTAMINATED - Work clothing that becomes wet or significantly contaminated should be removed and replaced. Change: DAILY - Workers whose clothing may have become contaminated should change into uncontaminated clothing before leaving the work premises.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Excerpt from ERG Guide 157 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible / Water-Sensitive)]: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is NO RISK OF FIRE. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• WHERE SKIN CAN BE EXPOSED ... PROTECTIVE CLOTHING, INCLUDING IMPERVIOUS HAND PROTECTION SHOULD BE PROVIDED. ... /CYANIDES/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Wear special protective clothing and positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

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-moun…
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• SODIUM CYANIDE produces deadly and flammable hydrogen cyanide gas pon contact with acids, even very weak acids , e.g., carbon dioxide dissolved in water (soda pop). Reacts violently with fluorine, magnesium, nitric acid, nitrates and nitrites [Sax, 9th ed., 1996, p. 2958]. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• SODIUM CYANIDE SOLUTION is weakly basic. Reacts with acids of all kinds to generate quantities of very poisonous hydrogen cyanide gas. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, especially if solution dries out. Gives insoluble products with silver(I), mercury(I) and lead(II) ions that may decompose violently under certain conditions.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Deliquescent. Soluble in water. Slowly decomposed by water and very rapidly by acids to give off hydrogen cyanide, a flammable poison gas. Based on a scenario where the chemical is spilled into an excess of water (at least 5 fold excess of water), half of the maximum theoretical yield of Hydrogen Cyanide gas will be created in 12 minutes. Experimental details are in the following: "Development of the Table of Initial Isolation and Protective Distances for the 2008 Emergency Response Guidebook", ANL/DIS-09-2, D.F. Brown, H.M. Hartmann, W.A. Freeman, and W.D. Haney, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois, June 2009.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Violent reaction with fluorine /gas/, magnesium, nitrates, nitric acid ...
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Hydrogen cyanide and mercury (II) cyanide: The cyanide, /mercury(II) cyanide/, is a friction-and impact-sensitive explosive and may initiate detonation of liquid hydrogen cyanide. Other metal cyanides are similar. /Metal cyanides/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Dangerous; on contact with acid, acid fumes, water, or steam ... will produce toxic and flammable vapors of CN- and sodium oxide.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Chemical stability

• AQ SOLN ... RAPIDLY DECOMPOSES ON STANDING.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Target organs

• Reproductive
  EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)
• Eyes, skin, cardiovascular system, central nervous system, thyroid, blood
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Short-term exposure effects

• The substance is severely irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the cellular respiration. This may result in convulsions and unconsciousness. Exposure could cause death. Medical observation is indicated.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Long-term exposure effects

• The substance may have effects on the thyroid.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

12Ecological information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 12 of the supplier's SDS.

13Disposal considerations

• Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number D003; P106, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Cyanide salts should not be flushed into any drain which may contain or subsequently receive acid waste. ... Cyanide process waste solutions and flushings from spills should be passed through a cyanide waste disposal system. /Cyanide salts/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Sodium cyanide is a poor candidate for incineration.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

UN numbers: UN 3414, UN 1689

Shipping name

• UN 3414; Sodium cyanide solution
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• UN 1689; Sodium cyanide, solid or solution
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

DOT hazard class

• Sodium cyanide, solid
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• Marine pollutant
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• Sodium cyanide, solution
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172

DOT label

• Poison
  CAMEO Chemicals

UN classification

• UN Hazard Class: 6.1; UN Pack Group: I
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Emergency Response Guidebook

• 1689 157
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• 3414 157
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• As the federal pesticide law FIFRA directs, EPA is conducting a comprehensive review of older pesticides to consider their health and environmental effects and make decisions about their future use. Under this pesticide reregistration program, EPA examines health and safety data for pesticide active ingredients initially registered before November 1, 1984, and determines whether they are eligible for reregistration. In addition, all pesticides must meet the new safety standard of the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Sodium cyanide is designated as a hazardous substance under section 311(b)(2)(A) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and further regulated by the Clean Water Act Amendments of 1977 and 1978. These regulations apply to discharges of this substance. This designation includes any isomers and hydrates, as well as any solutions and mixtures containing this substance.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 10 lb or 4.54 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802; In the Washington D.C. metropolitan area (202) 426-2675. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV. D.3.b).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Section 8(a) of TSCA requires manufacturers of this chemical substance to report preliminary assessment information concerned with production, use, and exposure to EPA as cited in the preamble in 51 FR 41329.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• P106; As stipulated in 40 CFR 261.33, when sodium cyanide, as a commercial chemical product or manufacturing chemical intermediate or an off-specification commercial chemical product or a manufacturing chemical intermediate, becomes a waste, it must be managed according to federal and/or state hazardous waste regulations. Also defined as a hazardous waste is any container or inner liner used to hold this waste or any residue, contaminated soil, water, or other debris resulting from the cleanup of a spill, into water or on dry land, of this waste. Generators of small quantities of this waste may qualify for partial exclusion from hazardous waste regulations (40 CFR 261.5(e)).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Overview of SDS regulations (OSHA HazCom, WHMIS, REACH/CLP) →

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 8929 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.