Nomenclature
CAS number: 592-01-8
Cyanogas.
C
2CaN
2; mol wt 92.11.
C 26.08%, Ca 43.51%, N 30.41%.
Ca(CN)
2.
Description and references
Prepn: Gmelins, Calcium (8th ed.) 28B, 173-178, 958-960 (1958). Commercial prepns
contain 40-50% Ca(CN)2. Toxicity study: H. F. Smyth et al., Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J. 30, 470 (1969). Review of toxicology and human exposure:
Toxicological Profile for Cyanide (PB98-101207, 1997) 291 pp.
Properties
Rhombohedric crystals or powder; dec in moist
air liberating hydrogen cyanide. Poisonous. Sol in water with gradual liberation of HCN; even very weak acid
(CO2) liberates HCN; sol in alc. Keep dry. LD50 orally in rats: 39 mg/kg (Smyth).Use
Fumigant; rodenticide; in stainless-steel manuf;
in leaching ores of precious metals; stabilizer for cement.