ICSC 0136 - CYANOGEN BROMIDE

CYANOGEN BROMIDE	ICSC: 0136 (December 2000)
Bromine cyanide Cyanobromide Bromocyan

CAS #: 506-68-3

UN #: 1889

EC Number: 208-051-2

	ACUTE HAZARDS	PREVENTION	FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE & EXPLOSION	Not combustible but forms flammable gas on contact with water or damp air. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.		In case of fire in the surroundings, use appropriate extinguishing media.

AVOID ALL CONTACT! IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
	SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID
Inhalation	Sore throat. Cough. Burning sensation. Convulsions. Dizziness. Headache. Shortness of breath. Laboured breathing. Nausea. Unconsciousness. Vomiting.	Use closed system or ventilation.	Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.
Skin	MAY BE ABSORBED! Redness. Pain. Blisters. Further see Inhalation.	Protective gloves. Protective clothing.	Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention .
Eyes	Redness. Pain.	Wear safety goggles, 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 refer for medical attention.
Ingestion	Abdominal pain. Further see Inhalation.	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.	Refer for medical attention . See Notes. Rinse mouth. Induce vomiting (ONLY IN CONSCIOUS PERSONS!).

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL	CLASSIFICATION & LABELLING
Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus. Ventilation. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Sweep spilled substance into covered sealable containers. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.	According to UN GHS Criteria Transportation UN Classification UN Hazard Class: 6.1; UN Subsidiary Risks: 8; UN Pack Group: I
STORAGE
Separated from food and feedstuffs. See Chemical Dangers. Dry. Well closed.
PACKAGING
Airtight. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs. Marine pollutant.

CYANOGEN BROMIDE

ICSC: 0136

PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION
Physical State; Appearance COLOURLESS OR WHITE CRYSTALS WITH PUNGENT ODOUR. Physical dangers The vapour is heavier than air. Chemical dangers Decomposes on heating and on contact with acids. This produces highly toxic and flammable hydrogen cyanide (see ICSC 0492) and corrosive hydrogen bromide (see ICSC 0282). Reacts with strong oxidants. Reacts slowly with water and moisture. This produces hydrogen bromide and hydrogen cyanide. Attacks many metals in the presence of water.	Formula: BrCN Molecular mass: 105.9 Boiling point: 61-62°C Melting point: 52°C Density: 2.0 g/cm³ Solubility in water: slow reaction Vapour pressure, kPa at 25°C: 16.2 Relative vapour density (air = 1): 3.6 Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.53 Sublimes at room temperature

PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION

Physical State; Appearance
COLOURLESS OR WHITE CRYSTALS WITH PUNGENT ODOUR.

Physical dangers
The vapour is heavier than air.

Chemical dangers
Decomposes on heating and on contact with acids. This produces highly toxic and flammable hydrogen cyanide (see ICSC 0492) and corrosive hydrogen bromide (see ICSC 0282). Reacts with strong oxidants. Reacts slowly with water and moisture. This produces hydrogen bromide and hydrogen cyanide. Attacks many metals in the presence of water.

Formula: BrCN
Molecular mass: 105.9
Boiling point: 61-62°C
Melting point: 52°C
Density: 2.0 g/cm³
Solubility in water: slow reaction
Vapour pressure, kPa at 25°C: 16.2
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 3.6
Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.53
Sublimes at room temperature

EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS
Routes of exposure The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour, through the skin and by ingestion. Effects of short-term exposure The substance is severely irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Inhalation of the vapour may cause lung oedema. See Notes. The effects may be delayed. The substance may cause effects on the cellular respiration. This may result in convulsions, unconsciousness and respiratory failure. Medical observation is indicated. Exposure could cause death.	Inhalation risk A harmful contamination of the air can be reached very quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C. Effects of long-term or repeated exposure

EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour, through the skin and by ingestion.

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is severely irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Inhalation of the vapour may cause lung oedema. See Notes. The effects may be delayed. The substance may cause effects on the cellular respiration. This may result in convulsions, unconsciousness and respiratory failure. Medical observation is indicated. Exposure could cause death.

Inhalation risk
A harmful contamination of the air can be reached very quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS
TLV: 0.3 ppm as STEL

ENVIRONMENT
Environmental effects from the substance have not been investigated adequately. It is strongly advised not to let the chemical enter into the environment.

NOTES
Specific treatment is necessary in case of poisoning with this substance; the appropriate means with instructions must be available. Sublimes at room temperature. The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential. Immediate administration of an appropriate inhalation therapy by a doctor, or by an authorized person, should be considered. Commercial products are generally solutions in chloroform.

NOTES

Specific treatment is necessary in case of poisoning with this substance; the appropriate means with instructions must be available.
Sublimes at room temperature.
The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential.
Immediate administration of an appropriate inhalation therapy by a doctor, or by an authorized person, should be considered.
Commercial products are generally solutions in chloroform.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

EC Classification

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    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations