International Chemical Safety Cards

CYANOGEN BROMIDE ICSC: 0136
CYANOGEN BROMIDE
Bromine cyanide
Cyanobromide
Bromocyan
BrCN
Molecular mass: 105.9
CAS # 506-68-3
RTECS # GT2100000
ICSC # 0136
UN # 1889
TYPES OF
HAZARD/
EXPOSURE
ACUTE HAZARDS/
SYMPTOMS
PREVENTION FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Not combustible but forms flammable gas on heating.
NO contact with hot surfaces.
In case of fire in the surroundings: all extinguishing agents allowed. Fire fighters should wear complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus.
EXPLOSION


 
EXPOSURE
AVOID ALL CONTACT!
IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
INHALATION Corrosive. Abdominal pain. Burning sensation. Confusion. Convulsions. Dizziness. Headache. Laboured breathing. Shortness of breath. Unconsciousness. Vomiting. Asphyxia. Anxiety. Irregular heartbeat.
Closed system and ventilation.
Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration if indicated. Refer for medical attention.
SKIN Corrosive. 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 Corrosive. Redness. Pain. Severe deep burns. Tear drawing.
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 Corrosive. Abdominal cramps. Burning sensation (further see Inhalation).
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
Rinse mouth. Refer for medical attention immediately.
SPILLAGE DISPOSAL STORAGE PACKAGING & LABELLING
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 acids, food and feedstuffs. Dry. Well closed.
Airtight. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
UN Haz Class: 6.1
UN Subsidiary Risks: 8
UN Pack Group: I
Marine pollutant.
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 © IPCS CEC 1993

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 or on contact with acids, producing highly toxic and flammable hydrogen cyanide (see ICSC # 0492) and corrosive hydrogen bromide (see ICSC # 0282). Reacts slowly with water and water vapour, forming hydrogen bromide and hydrogen cyanide.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
TLV not established.


ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and 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 corrosive to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Inhalation of the vapour may cause lung oedema (see Notes). Exposure may result in death. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Repeated or prolonged exposure may cause enlargement of the thyroid gland.
PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES
Boiling point: 61-62°C
Melting point: 52°C
Relative density (water = 1): 2.0
Solubility in water: soluble, but decomposes in water
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 12.3
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 3.6
Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.53
ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA
This substance may be hazardous to the environment; special attention should be given to fish. It is strongly advised not to let the chemical enter into the environment.
NOTES
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. Specific treatment is necessary in case of poisoning with this substance; the appropriate means with instructions must be available. The impure product is unstable and tends to explode.
NFPA Code: H 3; F 0; R 2;
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


ICSC: 0136 CYANOGEN BROMIDE
© IPCS, CEC, 1993
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of 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.