| Agent Name |
Cyanogen |
|---|
| CAS Number |
460-19-5 |
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| Formula |
C2-N2 |
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| Major Category |
Toxic Gases & Vapors |
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| Synonyms |
Dicyan; Dicyanogen; Ethanedinitrile; Oxalonitrile; [NIOSH] Oxalic acid dinitrile
Carbon nitride; Oxalyl cyanide; Prussite; Nitriloacetonitrile; [CHEMINFO] UN1026
|
|---|
| Category |
Chemical Asphyxiants |
|---|
| Description |
Colorless gas with a pungent, almond-like odor. [Note: Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas. Forms cyanide in the body.] [NIOSH] |
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| Sources/Uses |
Used in organic synthesis; also used as a fuel for cutting and welding, a rocket fuel, and a fumigant; [ACGIH] |
|---|
| Comments |
Hydrolysis of cyanogen yields hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and cyanate. Toxic effects are due to HCN. [ACGIH] Possible frostbite from contact with liquid; [NIOSH] A lachrymator; [CHEMINFO] |
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| Exposure Assessment |
|---|
| Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
No |
|---|
| TIH |
Yes |
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| TLV (ACGIH) |
10 ppm |
|---|
| MAK |
5 ppm |
|---|
| Lethal Concentration |
LC50 = 350 ppm/1h |
|---|
| Explanatory Notes |
Odor threshold is >250 ppm; Eye and nasal irritation occur at 16 ppm; A 2-hour exposure at 250 ppm killed all rats within 14 days. Rats exposed to 25 ppm for 6 months show significant weight loss. [CHEMINFO] |
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| Flammability (NFPA) |
4: burns readily |
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| Adverse Effects |
|---|
| Lacrimator |
Yes |
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| Other Poison |
Chemical Asphyxiant |
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| Links to Other NLM Databases |
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| Health Studies |
Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: CYANOGEN
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