S

Sodium cyanide

IUPAC: sodium cyanide

NaCN Inorganic Compounds CAS 143-33-9
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationNaCN
CAS Number143-33-9
Molecular Weight49.007
Melting Point1047 °F (EPA, 1998)
Boiling Point2725 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998)
Density1.6 at 77 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Solubilitygreater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceSodium cyanide appears as a white crystalline solid, lump solid or powder. A deadly human poison by ingestion. Toxic by skin absorption through open wounds, by ingestion, and by inhalation of dust.
Also Known As143-33-9; Cymag; Cyanogran; Cyanide of sodium; NaCN; Sodium cyanide (Na(CN)); Cyanasalt H; Cyanasalt S; Cyanobrik; Kyanid sodny
CategoryInorganic Compounds

What is Sodium cyanide?

Sodium cyanide is a cyanide salt containing equal numbers of sodium cations and cyanide anions. It has a role as an EC 1.15.1.1 (superoxide dismutase) inhibitor. It is a sodium salt, a cyanide salt and a one-carbon compound.

Formula & Notation

NaCN

IUPAC Name: sodium cyanide

Other Names / Synonyms: 143-33-9; Cymag; Cyanogran; Cyanide of sodium; NaCN; Sodium cyanide (Na(CN)); Cyanasalt H; Cyanasalt S; Cyanobrik; Kyanid sodny

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Sodium cyanide appears as a white crystalline solid, lump solid or powder. A deadly human poison by ingestion. Toxic by skin absorption through open wounds, by ingestion, and by inhalation of dust.. Molecular formula: CNNa. Molecular weight: 49.007 g/mol. Boiling point: 2725 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998). Melting point: 1047 °F (EPA, 1998). Density: 1.6 at 77 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink. Solubility: greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: 1 mmHg at 1502.6 °F (EPA, 1998).

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point1047 °F (EPA, 1998)
Boiling Point2725 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998)
Density1.6 at 77 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Molecular Weight49.007
Solubilitygreater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceSodium cyanide appears as a white crystalline solid, lump solid or powder. A deadly human poison by ingestion. Toxic by skin absorption through open wounds, by ingestion, and by inhalation of dust.

Uses & Applications

Used in industrial processes, materials science, semiconductor manufacture, ceramics, or as a catalyst.

Safety Information

May be corrosive, toxic, or an oxidising agent. Handle in well-ventilated area. Consult SDS before use.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Sodium cyanide
Formula NaCN
CAS Number 143-33-9
Molecular Weight 49.007
Synonyms 143-33-9; Cymag; Cyanogran; Cyanide of sodium; NaCN; Sodium cyanide (Na(CN)); Cyanasalt H; Cyanasalt S; Cyanobrik; Kyanid sodny

Frequently Asked Questions

Sodium cyanide is a cyanide salt containing equal numbers of sodium cations and cyanide anions. It has a role as an EC 1.15.1.1 (superoxide dismutase) inhibitor. It is a sodium salt, a cyanide salt and a one-carbon compound.

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.