Johnson Matthey
GOLD POTASSIUM CYANIDE 68.3%
086068 3.00 EC Current 26.04.2001
1. PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION
086068
Product Code
GOLD POTASSIUM CYANIDE 68.3%
Trade Name
Substance
Product Type
Johnson Matthey PLC
Manufacturer/Supplier
Precious Metals Division, Chemicals
Address
Orchard Road
ROYSTON, Hertfordshire
SG8 5HE
+(44) 1763 253000
Phone Number
+(44) 1763 253155
Fax Number
100% Gold Potassium Cyanide, KAu(CN)
Composition
2
JM Version Number
19/08/96
Date of First Issue
2. COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON THE COMPONENTS
GOLD POTASSIUM CYANIDE 68.3%
Product Formal Name
.Not Specified
Product Chemical Family
13967-50-5
CAS Number
3. HAZARD IDENTIFICATION
Gold potassium cyanide is extremely toxic. Ingestion or inhalation of dust
may cause poisoning. Animal tests indicate that it is corrosive to the eyes,
with death resulting 7 hours after exposure, and a severe skin irritant.
At very low levels of exposure, this material can affect the condition of the
finger nails.
It reacts with acids, acid fumes and slowly with carbon dioxide from moist air
to produce toxic hydrogen cyanide gas. Any level of exposure must be
considered as hazardous. 聽
4. FIRST AID MEASURES
Speed is essential in the treatment of obvious cases of cyanide poisoning.
First Aid
Ingestion of cyanide compounds or inhalation of hydrogen cyanide gas in
high concentrations may be rapidly fatal. At lower concentrations, symptoms
are dizziness, nausea, general weakness, headache, flushing or occasionally
pallor, palpitations, a feeling of suffocation followed by deep breathing,
sudden unconsciousness. The breath may have a characteristic smell of
almonds. The mouth to mouth method of articifial respiration should not be
used, due to the danger to the first aider of absorbing cyanide from the
casualty's mouth or breath. The advised treatment is the administration of
oxygen using a bag and mask device.
Contact with the skin will be irritating and possibly poisonous if the skin is
broken. Strong solutions are corrosive to the skin, with the possibility of
chemical burns in severe cases.
Contact with the eyes will be very painful at all levels of exposure.
Ingestion will lead to severe abdominal pain, with possible chemical burns to
the mouth and throat.
Inhalation will cause coughing and sneezing, and severe irritation to the
respiratory tract. The dust may also cause toxic symptoms when inhaled.
Give oxygen by mechanical means if the patient is unconcious. 聽 聽 聽 聽 聽 聽
Remove from exposure and allow to rest in fresh air. Give Oxygen if
First Aid - Inhalation
available. Seek medical attention urgently. 聽
First Aid - Ingestion Rinse mouth with water and give water or milk or drink. Give oxygen if
available. Seek medical attention urgently. 聽
Irrigate with water or isotonic saline solution for l5 minutes. Seek medical
First Aid - Eyes
attention urgently. 聽
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Johnson Matthey
GOLD POTASSIUM CYANIDE 68.3%
086068 3.00 EC Current 26.04.2001
4. FIRST AID MEASURES (continued)
Remove contaminated clothing and wash skin with soap and water. Seek
First Aid - Skin
medical attention urgently.Launder clothing before re-use. 聽 聽
5. FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
Although the material is not flammable, it may produce toxic fumes when
involved in a fire. Keep up-wind of the fire and wear self-contained breathing
apparatus and personal protective equipment. Use any extinguisher suitable
for the surrounding fire. 聽
6. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
For small spills, wear protective clothing, including filter type respiratory
protection, gloves and eye protection. Sweep up spillage and store in sealed
containers ready for disposal according to local and national regulations.
Wash area with water, but do not wash down drains. For larger spills,
evacuate the area. Wear protective clothing, gloves, eye and respiratory
protection. Do not allow the material to enter drains or water courses. Wash
the site with a dilute solution of hypochlorite, followed by plenty of water. 聽 聽 聽
7. HANDLING AND STORAGE
Good industrial hygiene practices should be observed. Avoid direct contact.
Handling (JM)
Do not eat, drink, smoke or apply cosmetics whilst handling.
Exposure to air-borne particulates and mist must be kept within permissible
limits. Use only under conditions of good local ventilation.
At all places where there is a risk of cyanide poisoning, an emergency supply
of oxygen should be available together with a mask and bag for the
ventilation of an unconsious casualty. 聽 聽 聽
Keep in a secure store, in sealed container. Keep separate from
Storage (JM)
incompatible materials, such as acids or oxidising agents. Do not allow to
become wet. 聽
8. EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION
UK Occupational Exposure Standard for cyanides (LTEL) - 5 mg/m鈥? (skin)
USA ACGIH TLV-TWA for cyanides - 5 mg/m鈥? (skin)
German MAK for cyanides (measured as total dust) - 5 mg/m鈥? (skin)
Local exhaust extraction should be used. Vapour and fumes from all
operations should be vented to external atmosphere through a suitable
collection or scrubbing system. Personal filter type respiratory protection,
impervious gloves and industrial safety glasses should be worn. Work clothes
should be changed as often as necessary and at least after every working
shift. Wash hands after using this material. 聽 聽 聽 聽 聽 聽 聽 聽 聽
9. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
White, crystalline powder.
Appearance
Faint odour of bitter almonds
Odour
The aqueous solution is strongly alkaline, the pH of a 0.1N solution is about
pH
11.
not applicable.
Boiling Range/Point
Decomposes on heating
Melting Point
not applicable.
Flash Point
not flammable.
Flammability
not applicable.
Auto-flammability
not explosive.
Explosive Properties
not oxidising.
Oxidising Properties
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Johnson Matthey
GOLD POTASSIUM CYANIDE 68.3%
086068 3.00 EC Current 26.04.2001
9. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES (continued)
no data.
Vapour Pressure
3.45 gm/cc
Density
in Water: 14.3 gm/100 cc (cold)
Solubility in Water
200 gm/100 cc (hot)
Soluble in glycerol. Sparingly soluble in ethanol. Insoluble in ether or
acetone.
no data.
Partition Coefficient
聽聽聽聽
General
10. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
Reacts with acids, acid fumes and slowly with carbon dioxide from moist air to
produce the very toxic gas, hydrogen cyanide. Contact with strong oxidisers
may cause fires and explosions, as for example, when fusion mixtures are
prepared with cyanides and metal chlorates, perchlorates or nitrates. Violent
reactions have also been reported between the salt and iodine, chloral
hydrate (trichloroacetaldehyde), alkaloids, sodium nitrite, perchloryl fluoride
and nitrogen trichloride. Decomposes on heating to give toxic fumes of
cyanide. 聽 聽
11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
The only data available for Gold Potassium Cyanide is -
Eye(rabbit) - corrosive, death occuring 7 hours after exposure.
Skin(rabbit) - severe irritant
The following data is available for the Silver analogue -
LD50 (oral-rat) 20.9 mg/kg, severe skin and eye irritant.
聽聽聽聽聽聽
12. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Highly toxic to all species of animal life. Produces hydrogen cyanide, which
is highly toxic by all routes. Harmful to aquatic life at very low concentrations.
The toxicity towards fish is more severe at low concentrations of dissolved
oxygen. Increasing the temperature raises the toxicity. Cadmium increases
the toxicity of cyanide. 聽
13. DISPOSAL
Cyanide in solution can be destroyed by oxidizing with hypochlorite solution,
converting it to the less toxic cyanate but possibly liberating chlorine. Ferric
salts (Fe+3) will precipitate an insoluble salt. If the cyanide can be dissolved
in a flammable solvent, it can be destroyed by spraying into an incinerator
with an after-burner and scrubber. Alternatively, return to the refinery for
recovery of the precious metal content. 聽
14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION
U.N. No. 1588, Class 6.1, Packing Group II
ADR 2601 41(b) 聽 聽
15. REGULATORY INFORMATION
Very Toxic
Labelling Information
Dangerous to the Environment
R26/27/28 Very toxic by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed.
R phrases
R32 Contact with acids liberates very toxic gas.
R50/53 Very toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects
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Johnson Matthey
GOLD POTASSIUM CYANIDE 68.3%
086068 3.00 EC Current 26.04.2001
15. REGULATORY INFORMATION (continued)
in the aquatic environment.
S7 Keep container tightly closed.
S phrases
S28 After contact with skin, wash immediately with plenty of: water.
S29 Do not empty into drains.
S45 In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice
immediately (show the label where possible).
S60 This material and its container must be disposed of as hazardous waste.
S61 Avoid release to the environment. Refer to special instructions/Safety
data sheets.
2377484
EINECS Number
T+ - Very toxic
EC Annex I Classification
16. OTHER INFORMATION
30 July 1999
MSDS first issued
26 April 2001
MSDS data revised
This information relates only to the specific material designated and may not be valid for such material used in combination
with any other materials or in any process. Such information is given in good faith, being based on the latest information
available to Johnson Matthey PLC and is to the best of Johnson Matthey PLC's knowledge and belief, accurate and reliable at
the time of preparation. However, no representation, warranty or guarantee is made as to the accuracy, liability or
completness and Johnson Matthey PLC assumes no responsibility therefore, and disclaims any liability for any loss, damage
or injury howsoever arising (including in respect of any claim brought by any third party) incurred using this information. The
product is supplied on thecondition that the user accepts responsibility to satisfy himself as to the suitability and completness
of such information for his own particular use. Freedom from patent or any other proprietary rights of any third party must not
be assumed. 聽
Reference Sources
REFERENCE SOURCES
Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances. Published by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. USA.
Oil and Hazardous Materials Technical Assistance Data System. Published by The Office of Water and Waste Management.
Environmental Protection Agency USA.
Chemical Hazard Response Information System. Published by US Coast Guard.
NIOSHTIC Occupational Safety and Health database. Published by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health.
USA.
HSELINE Health and Safety Executive Library and Information Service. Published by the Health and Safety Executive. UK.
CISDOC International Occupational Safety and Health Database. Published by the International Labour Organisation. Geneva.
RISKLINE. Published by the National Chemical Inspectorate. Sweden.
TOXLINE. Published by the Chemical Abstracts Service. USA.
Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology. The National Library of Medicine. USA.
Toxicity, Bibliography. The National Library of Medicine. USA.
Environmental Mutagen Information. Oak Ridge National Laboratory. USA.
Environmental Teratology Information. Oak Ridge National Laboratory. USA
BIOSIS. Published by Biological Abstracts Inc. USA.
Epidemiology Information. The Food and Drug Administration. USA
International Pharmaceutical Abstracts. The American Society of Hospital Pharmacists. USA.
Hazardous Materials Technical Center Abstracts. Department of the Army, Hazardous Materials Technical Center. USA.
Toxicology Document and Data Depository. National Technical Information Service. USA.
Federal Research in Progress. National Technical Information Service. USA.
Toxicology Research Projects. National Institutes of Health. USA
Toxic Substances Control Act Test Submissions. The Environmental Protection Agency. USA.
Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology 3rd edition.
Handbook on the Toxicology of Metals. Friberg, Nordberg and Vouk 2nd edition.
Bretherick's Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards. 5th edition.
Grant's Toxicology of the Eye. 3rd edition.
Merck Index 10th edition.
Handbook on Toxicology of Inorganic Compounds. Seiler, Sigel and Sigel.
Catalog of Teratogenic Agents. Shepard. 4th edition
Reproductive Hazards of Industrial Chemicals. Barlow and Sullivan.
Royal Society of Chemistry, Chemical Safety Data Sheets.
National Sales Offices
Johnson Matthey PLC,33 Jeffreys Road, Brimsdown, ENFIELD, Middlesex EN3 7PW, United Kingdom, Tel:- 0208 8048111,
Fax:- 0208 8041918
S.A.Johnson Matthey N.V., 8 Avenue de Bale, 1140 BRUSSEL, Belgi毛 / Belgique, Tel:- 2 729 0711, Fax:- 2 216 9061
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Johnson Matthey
GOLD POTASSIUM CYANIDE 68.3%
086068 3.00 EC Current 26.04.2001
16. OTHER INFORMATION (continued)
Johnson Matthey A/S, Frederikssundsvej 274 D, Br垄nsh垄j 2700, Denmark, Tel:- 38 89 62 00, Fax:- 38 89 62 01
Johnson Matthey PLC, Unit 1 - 2, Blanchardstown Business Centre, Clonsilla Road, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, Republic of
Ireland, Tel:- 1 820 7722, Fax:- 1 820 7733
Johnson Matthey GmbH, Alfa Products, Zeppelinstrasse 7, Postfach 6540, D-7500 KARLSRUHE 1, Deutschland, Tel:- 721
840070, Fax:- 721 849674
Johnson Matthey SA, 13 Rue de la Perdrix, Z1 PARIS Nord II, BP 50240, 95996 Roissy, CDG Cedix France, Tel:- 1 48 63 22
99, Fax:- 1 48 63 27 02
Oy Johnson Matthey A.B, Kielotie 7A 4KRS, 01300 BANTAA, Soumi, Tel:- 08574 800, Fax:- 08574 807
Johnson Matthey A.B., Victor Hasselblads gata 8, S-421 31 V盲stra Fr枚lunda, Sverige, Tel:- 031 891390, Fax:- 31 477795
Johnson Matthey & Co G.m.b.H, Steckhovengasse 12, 1132 WIEN, 脰sterreich, Tel:- 877 98 90, Fax:- 877 98 933
Johnson Matthey & Brandenberger A.G., Glattalstrasse 18, CH-8052 ZURICH, Switzerland, Tel:- 01 307 1919, Fax:- 01 307
1920
Johnson Matthey GmbH, Otto-Volger-Stra脽e 9B, D-65843 Sulzbach/Ts, Deutschland, Tel:- (0 61 96)70 38-21, Fax:- (0 61 96)
70 38 12
17. 000000000
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