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CYANOGEN ICSC: 1390
Date of Peer Review: October 2001

 Dicyanogen
Ethanedinitrile
Oxalonitrile
CAS # 460-19-5 C2N2
RTECS # GT1925000 Molecular mass: 52.04
UN # 1026
EC Annex 1 Index # 608-011-00-8
EC/EINECS # 207-306-5
TYPES OF HAZARD / EXPOSURE ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Highly flammable. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.
NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking.
Shut off supply; if not possible and no risk to surroundings, let the fire burn itself out; in other cases extinguish with dry powder, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION Gas/air mixtures are explosive. Risk of fire and explosion on contact with strong oxidants.
Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting.
In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water.
EXPOSURE
AVOID ALL CONTACT!
IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
Inhalation Convulsions. Cough. Dizziness. Headache. Laboured breathing. Sore throat. Unconsciousness. Vomiting.
Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration may be needed. No mouth-to-mouth artificial respiration. Refer for medical attention. See Notes.
Skin ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.
Cold-insulating gloves.
ON FROSTBITE: rinse with plenty of water, do NOT remove clothes. Refer for medical attention.
Eyes Redness. Pain.
Face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
Ingestion


SPILLAGE DISPOSAL PACKAGING & LABELLING
Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Ventilation. Remove all ignition sources. NEVER direct water jet on liquid. Personal protection: gas-tight chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE STORAGE
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-20G2TF NFPA Code: H4; F4; R2;
Fireproof. Cool.
IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety 		Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS, CEC 2005

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
CYANOGEN ICSC: 1390
IMPORTANT DATA
PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS GAS OR COMPRESSED LIQUEFIED GAS , WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The gas is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
On combustion, forms . toxic gases, including hydrogen cyanide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides. Reacts with strong oxidants causing fire and explosion hazard. The substance reacts with acids forming highly toxic gases such as hydrogen cyanide.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 10 ppm as TWA; (ACGIH 2008).
MAK: 5 ppm, 11 mg/m³; Peak limitation category: II(2); skin absorption (H); Pregnancy risk group: D; (DFG 2008).
 		ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation.

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful concentration of this gas in the air will be reached very quickly on loss of containment.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is irritating to the eyes and the respiratory tract. Rapid evaporation of the liquid may cause frostbite. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system , resulting in respiratory failure and collapse. Exposure far above the OEL may result in death.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Boiling point: -21.2°C
Melting point: -27.9°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.95 at -21°C
Solubility in water, ml/100 ml at 20°C: 450
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 1.8
 		Flash point: Flammable Gas
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 6.6-42.6
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 0.07
ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
The substance is very toxic to aquatic organisms.
NOTES
Specific treatment is necessary in case of poisoning with this substance; the appropriate means with instructions must be available. The odour warning when the exposure limit value is exceeded is insufficient. Turn leaking cylinder with the leak up to prevent escape of gas in liquid state.
Card has been partly updated in April 2005. See sections Emergency Response. Card has been partially updated in February 2009: see Occupational Exposure Limits.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


LEGAL NOTICE Neither the CEC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information
© IPCS, CEC 2005 



    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations