Chemical Name: Cyanogen Bromide Synonyms: Bromine cyanide CAS Number: 506-68-3 Appearance: Colorless to white crystalline solid with pungent odor Common Uses: Used in protein sequencing, chemical synthesis, and as a fumigant
Health Hazards: Highly toxic by inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption; targets respiratory tract, nervous system, and mucous membranes Physical Hazards: Releases toxic gases under heat or contamination; forms dangerous vapors at room temperature Warning Signs: Difficulty breathing, headaches, convulsions, unconsciousness may result from exposure; direct contact causes burns Risk Phrases: Fatal if inhaled, poisonous if swallowed or in contact with skin, may cause acute health effects
Main Ingredient: Cyanogen Bromide (BrCN) Purity: Typically above 97% Hazardous Impurities: Cyanide and bromine contaminants may aggravate toxicity
Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air; give oxygen if breathing is difficult; avoid mouth-to-mouth to protect yourself; seek immediate medical attention Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing; wash exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water for 15 minutes; get medical help Eye Contact: Flush eyes promptly with water for at least 15 minutes; seek immediate care from a specialist Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; rinse mouth; seek emergency help right away; person should remain still
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or water spray; never use a direct jet of water Specific Hazards: Burns emit highly toxic gases such as hydrogen cyanide and bromine vapors Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing; avoid inhaling firefighting runoff Special Procedures: Isolate area; evacuate nonessential personnel; keep upwind
Personal Precautions: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and a certified respirator; avoid breathing dust or vapors Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into water systems, soil, or drains due to severe aquatic toxicity Cleanup Methods: Collect with noncombustible absorbent; seal in tightly closed containers for disposal; ventilate the affected area well
Handling: Work in a chemical fume hood; minimize direct handling; avoid any skin or eye contact; do not breathe dust or vapors Storage: Keep in tightly sealed, corrosion-resistant containers; store in a dry, cool, well-ventilated, and locked area away from acids, bases, water, and combustible materials; clear label on all containers
Occupational Exposure Limits: Strict limits set for cyanide compounds; recommended values often below 0.3 mg/m3 Engineering Controls: Use of laboratory fume hoods or local exhaust systems to keep airborne concentrations low Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical splash goggles, face shields, rubber or nitrile gloves, lab coat or impervious coveralls, and a full-face respirator with appropriate cartridges Hygienic Practices: Wash hands thoroughly after handling; do not eat, drink, or smoke in work area
Physical State: Crystalline solid Color: Colorless to white Odor: Strong, pungent, tear-gas-like Melting Point: Near 52°C Boiling Point: Roughly 61°C Solubility: Soluble in water, alcohol, and ether Vapor Pressure: High toxicity means even low vapor pressures are hazardous Volatility: Can sublimate at room temperature, releasing toxic vapors
Chemical Stability: Stable only in tightly closed containers; decomposes rapidly on contact with water or moist air Incompatible Materials: Reacts dangerously with water, acids, alkalis, ammonia, and strong oxidizers; risk of uncontrolled cyanide gas release Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen cyanide, bromine gas
Acute Toxicity: LC50 for inhalation in rats under 200 ppm (lethal within minutes); LD50 oral (rat) close to 5 mg/kg Chronic Effects: Repeated exposures risk cumulative organ damage; cyanide mode of action leads to inhibition of cellular respiration Symptoms of Exposure: Headache, dizziness, rapid breathing, convulsions, loss of consciousness, risk of death Target Organs: Central nervous system, heart, respiratory system
Ecotoxicity: Extremely toxic to aquatic organisms; can cause long-term damage in water environments Mobility: Volatile and water soluble, spreads easily if released Persistence and Degradability: Breaks down in water to toxic byproducts that persist for days
Waste Treatment: Handle as hazardous waste; use qualified hazardous waste disposal service; incineration with proper emission controls recommended Special Precautions: Never dispose of in regular trash or down the drain; containers remain hazardous even when empty
UN Number: 1889 Proper Shipping Name: Cyanogen bromide Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substance) Packing Group: I (substances presenting high danger) Transport Conditions: Secure, leak-proof packaging; segregated from food and incompatible materials
Classification: Subject to major national and international poisons regulations; often restricted to licensed facilities with specialized training Labeling Requirements: Toxic, environmental hazard, and corrosive warning symbols required Worker Regulations: Mandatory safety training; routine exposure monitoring; access restricted to qualified individuals