Intro to Hydrogen Cyanide Gas
Hydrogen cyanide is an industrial viable chemical compound with the formula HCN and a structure of H-C=N. It's characterized as a colorless gas or liquid with an almond-like odor that irritates the eyes, and respiratory tract, and has toxic systemic effects. HCN is naturally present in many food and plants— small doses aren't a problem for people as cyanide is converted to thiocyanate and eliminated from the body.
It is manufactured from ammonia and natural gas and is used for industrial purposes as a precursor to many chemical compounds ranging from polymers to pharmaceuticals. The risk for industrial workers is explosion hazards if in the presence of heat, chemical asphyxiant in poorly ventilated areas, and unintentional generation. HCN is also found in various tobacco products and is released by the combustion of nitrogen-containing organic materials. As an indicator of it's high level of toxicity, in the past, this compound has been used as a chemical weapon agent.
Monitoring hydrogen cyanide concentration is essential in environments where exposure to toxic chemicals is a risk, as even low levels can significantly impact health. When inhaled or absorbed, hydrogen cyanide quickly dissociates to form the cyanide ion, which can interfere with cellular respiration. Exposure can lead to elevated blood cyanide levels, a critical marker used in medical assessments to determine cyanide toxicity. Careful handling and monitoring of these toxic chemicals are therefore vital to prevent harmful exposure and ensure safety.
Hydrogen cyanide vapor, a potent chemical warfare agent, can be highly toxic at even low concentrations. As a weak acid, it readily dissociates into its toxic cyanide ion form, which can rapidly bind to vital cellular enzymes and disrupt cellular respiration.
Gas Characteristics
- Colorless (or pale blue) gas or liquid
- Strong pungent odor, bitter almond-like scent
- Highly toxic
- Flammable
- Molecular formula is HCN or CHN
- The tautomer of HCN is HNC, hydrogen isocyanide
- Also known as formic anammonide, hydrogen cyanide, hydrocyanic acid, formonitrile, prussic acid, methanenitrile, cyanwasserstoff
- CAS 74-90-8
FIRST AID
- If INHALED move the impacted person to fresh air. Administrator 100% oxygen and assist ventilation as required.
- If breathing is difficult, offer respiratory support if available. Avoid mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
- If this compound has been INGESTED get medical attention right away. Administer 100% oxygen. With a physician's direction prepare a cyanide antidote kit.
- If SKIN CONTACT is made immediately wash the skin with water. It's very important to remove contaminated clothing and seek medical attention.
- If the EYES are contacted, immediately wash the eyes with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes. Get medical attention immediately.
- Amyl nitrite, sodium nitrite, and sodium thiosulfate are antidotes for cyanide toxicity. However, amyl nitrite and sodium nitrite shouldn't be administered to patients suffering from smoke inhalation.
IF ACCIDENTALLY RELEASED
- First remove all ignition sources. Next ventilate area of spill or leak. Then stop the flow of gas, or remove cylinder to open air.
- Evacuate the area immediately. Consult an expert. If permissible absorb any liquid into sand. Never wash into a sewer. Prevent gas from entering a confined space.
- Environmental considerations - in the case of a land spill, dig a pit or lagoon to hold the contamination. Build a barrier using soil, sand bags, foamed polyurethane or foamed concrete.
- Generators of waste (100kg/mo) or more of this contaminant. EPA hazardous waste #P063 and D003 must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment, and disposal.