Agent Name |
Cyanogen chloride |
CAS Number |
506-77-4 |
Formula |
C-Cl-N |
Major Category |
Toxic Gases & Vapors |
Synonyms |
Chlorcyan; Chlorine cyanide; Chlorine cyanide (ClCN); Chlorocyan; Chlorocyanide; Chlorocyanogen; Chlorure de cyanogene [French]; Cyanogen chloride; [ChemIDplus] UN1589 |
Category |
Corrosive Gases |
Description |
Colorless gas or liquid (below 55 degrees F) with an irritating odor; Note: Shipped as a liquefied gas. A solid below 20 degrees F. Forms cyanide in the body; [NIOSH] |
Sources/Uses |
Used in organic synthesis and as a military poison gas; may be generated in a reaction of hypochlorite and cyanide solutions in waste water treatment; [ACGIH] Used in metal cleaning and ore refining; [ATSDR ToxProfiles] |
Comments |
Liquid causes second or third degree burns after short contact; [CHRIS] In animal inhalation studies, cyanogen chloride causes severe irritation of the respiratory tract and pulmonary edema. Workers treating cyanide plating solutions with hypochlorite had to leave the work area because of eye and nose irritation when the air concentration was measured at 0.7 ppm (1.78 mg/m3). [ACGIH] Effects are similar to those of hydrogen cyanide; A pulmonary irritant and lacrimator; [HSDB] |
Exposure Assessment |
Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
No |
TIH |
Yes |
Ceiling (ACGIH) |
0.3 ppm |
Odor Threshold Low |
1 ppm |
Explanatory Notes |
The Guide from the Emergency Response Guidebook is for "cyanogen chloride, inhibited." Detection odor threshold ; [CHEMINFO] |
Reference Link |
International Chemical Safety Cards (WHO/IPCS/ILO) |
Adverse Effects |
Toxic Pneumonitis |
Yes |
Dermatotoxin |
Skin Burns |
Lacrimator |
Yes |
Other Poison |
Chemical Asphyxiant |
Links to Other NLM Databases |
Health Studies |
Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: CYANOGEN CHLORIDE
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