2693. Cyanogen Bromide

Nomenclature

CAS number: 506-68-3
Bromine cyanide.
CBrN; mol wt 105.92.
C 11.34%, Br 75.44%, N 13.22%.
BrCN.

Description and references

Prepd from potassium or sodium cyanide and bromine: Hartman, Dreger, Org. Synth. 11, 30 (1931). Industrial prepn from sodium bromide, sodium chlorate, and sodium cyanide in 30% H2SO4: Ewan, Chem. Zentralbl. 1907, I, 591; G"opner, ibid. 1908, I, 1807; Grignard, Crouzier, Bull. Soc. Chim. Fr. [4] 29, 214 (1921). Brief review of synthetic applications: V. Kumar, Synlett 2005, 1638-1639.

Properties

Crystalline solid; dec in the presence of moisture. d420 2.015. mp 52°. bp 61-62°. Poisonous, corrosive. Freely sol in water, alcohol, ether. Aq solns of alkalies dec it to alkali cyanide and alkali bromide.

Caution

Toxic effects similar to those of hydrogen cyanide, q.v.

Use

Reagent for the synthesis of cyanamides.