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Cyanogen chloride  Structure

Cyanogen chloride

Chemical Properties

Melting point -6°
Boiling point 14°C
Density  1.186
vapor pressure  60kPa at 0℃
solubility  soluble in H2O, ethanol, ethyl ether
form  colorless gas
color  colorless vol liquid or gas
Water Solubility  soluble H2O, ether, alcohol [MER06]
Exposure limits Ceiling limit 0.7 mg/m3 (0.3 ppm) (ACGIH).
LogP 0.64 at 20℃
CAS DataBase Reference 506-77-4
NIST Chemistry Reference Cyanogen chloride(506-77-4)
EPA Substance Registry System Cyanogen chloride (506-77-4)

Safety Information

Hazard Codes  T
RIDADR  UN 1589
OEL Ceiling: 0.3 ppm (0.6 mg/m3)
HazardClass  2.3
Hazardous Substances Data 506-77-4(Hazardous Substances Data)
Toxicity CK may polymerize violently if contaminated with hydrogen chloride or ammonium chloride. Upon heating, it decomposes, producing toxic and corrosive fumes of hydrogen cyanide, hydrochloric acid, and nitrogen oxides. Hazardous polymerization can occur. Cyanogen chloride will react slowly with water to form hydrogen chloride gas. It acts on the body in two ways. Systemic effects of CK are much like those of hydrogen cyanide. Additionally, it causes irritation of the eyes, upper respiratory tract, and lungs. Eye irritation results in tearing. CK, like AC, stimulates the respiratory system and rapidly paralyzes it. Exposure is followed by immediate, intense irritation of the nose, throat, and eyes, with coughing, tightness in the chest, and lacrimation. This is followed by dizziness and increasing difficulty breathing. Unconsciousness comes next, with failing respiration and death within a few minutes. Convulsions, retching, and involuntary urination and defecation may occur. If these effects are not fatal, the signs and symptoms of pulmonary edema may develop. There may be repeated coughing, with profuse foamy sputum, rales in the chest, severe dyspnea, and distinct cyanosis. Recovery from the systemic effects is usually as prompt as in AC poisoning. However, a higher incidence of residual damage to the central nervous system should be expected. Based upon the concentration of the cyanogen chloride to which the victim has been exposed, the pulmonary effects may evolve instantly or may be delayed until the systemic effects have subsided. Consequently, early prognosis must be cautious.

Usage And Synthesis