International Chemical Safety Cards

CYANOGEN BROMIDE

ICSC: 0136

Bromine cyanide
Cyanobromide
Bromocyan
BrCN
Molecular mass: 105.9

ICSC #    0136
CAS #     506-68-3
RTECS # GT2100000
UN #        1889
April 12, 2000 Peer reviewed

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID/ FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Not combustible but forms flammable gas on heating. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.		In case of fire in the surroundings: all extinguishing agents allowed.
EXPLOSION

EXPOSURE		AVOID ALL CONTACT!	IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
•INHALATION	Sore throat. Cough. Burning sensation. Convulsions. Dizziness. Headache. Shortness of breath. Laboured breathing. Nausea. Unconsciousness. Vomiting.	Closed system and ventilation.	Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration if indicated. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN	MAY BE ABSORBED! Redness. Pain. Blisters (further see Inhalation).	Protective gloves. Protective clothing.	Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention.
•EYES	Redness. Pain.	Safety goggles, face shield, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION	Abdominal pain. (Further see Inhalation).	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.	Refer for medical attention. See Notes. Rinse mouth. Induce vomiting (ONLY IN CONSCIOUS PERSONS!).

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Ventilation. Sweep spilled substance into sealable containers. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. (Extra personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus).

Separated from food and feedstuffs . See Chemical Dangers. Dry. Well closed.

Airtight. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
Marine pollutant.
R:
S:
UN Hazard Class: 6.1
UN Subsidiary Risks: 8
UN Packing Group: I

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ICSC: 0136

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

International Chemical Safety Cards

CYANOGEN BROMIDE

ICSC: 0136

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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS OR WHITE CRYSTALS , WITH PUNGENT ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The vapour is heavier than air.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance decomposes on heating and on contact with acids producing highly toxic and flammable hydrogen cyanide (see ICSC # 0492) and corrosive hydrogen bromide (see ICSC # 0282). Reacts with strong oxidants. Reacts slowly with water and moistureto produce hydrogen bromide and hydrogen cyanide. Attacks many metals in presence of water.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV not established.

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour, through the skin and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful contamination of the air can be reached very quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is severely irritating to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Inhalation of the vapour may cause lung oedema (see Notes). The effects may be delayed. The substance may cause effects on the cellular respiration , resulting in convulsions , unconsciousness and respiratory failure . Medical observation is indicated. Exposure may result in death.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: 61-62°C
Melting point: 52°C
Density: 2.0
g/cm3
Solubility in water: slow
reaction

Vapour pressure, kPa at 25°C: 16.2
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 3.6
Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.53

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

It is strongly advised not to let the chemical enter into the environment.

N O T E S

Specific treatment is necessary in case of poisoning with this substance; the appropriate means with instructions must be available. Sublimes at room temperature. The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential. Immediate administration of an appropriate spray, by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered. Commercial products are generally solutions in chloroform. Environmental effects from the substance have not been investigated.

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-61G64a

NFPA Code: H 3; F 0; R 1;

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ICSC: 0136	CYANOGEN BROMIDE
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994

IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE:

Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.