© 2026 Sinochem Nanjing Corporation,
All Right Reserved
Chemical Name: Mercury thiocyanate
Common Names: Mercuric thiocyanate, Mercury(II) thiocyanate
Chemical Formula: Hg(SCN)2
Appearance: Pale white to grayish amorphous powder, sometimes crystalline
Odor: Odorless
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, more so in hot water
Use: Historically used in pyrotechnics for 'Pharaoh’s Serpent' demonstrations, also relevant in analytical chemistry
Synonyms: Mercury dithiocyanate
Primary Hazards: Toxic by inhalation, ingestion, skin absorption
Acute Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, headache, muscle tremors, renal and neurological damage
Chronic Exposure Risks: Cumulative mercury poisoning, tremors, cognitive effects, kidney damage
Environmental Risks: Toxic to aquatic life, persistent in soil and water
Signal Words: Danger, Poison
Hazard Pictograms: Skull and crossbones, exclamation mark, environment symbol
Component: Mercury thiocyanate
Chemical Identity: Hg(SCN)2
Concentration: Typically 100% for laboratory-grade material
Impurities: Possible traces of free thiocyanate or mercury compounds
Inhalation: Remove to fresh air, seek immediate medical attention for breathing difficulty
Skin Contact: Rinse thoroughly with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, monitor for rash or irritation
Eye Contact: Flush eyes gently yet thoroughly for at least 15 minutes, seek medical attention
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth, seek medical help without delay
Warning: There is no safe household response for mercury poisoning—medical input is the only answer
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide
Hazards from Combustion: Toxic gases including mercury vapor, sulfur oxides, cyanide compounds
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Full protective suit and self-contained breathing apparatus
Firefighting Approach: Control of run-off contamination, ventilated environment
Personal Precautions: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, lab coat, certified eye protection, respiratory protection
Environmental Precautions: Prevent material from entering drains, water courses, or soil
Cleanup Methods: Scoop up carefully, avoid dust formation, store waste in labeled sealed containers for hazardous disposal
Emergency Procedures: Evacuate spill area, increase ventilation, notify professionals for significant spills
Safe Handling: Handle in designated chemical hoods, avoid skin and eye exposure, do not inhale dust
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, don’t eat or drink near the material
Storage Conditions: Store in tight containers in cool, dry, well-ventilated locations, away from oxidizing agents and acids
Segregation: Do not store near food, drink, or personal items
Engineering Controls: Use fume hoods or local exhaust, keep exposure as low as achievable
Eye Protection: Safety goggles recommended
Skin Protection: Chemically resistant gloves—nitrile or neoprene
Respiratory Protection: Certified respirator if handling powder or when dust is present
Workplace Controls: Routine air monitoring, enforce strict lab protocols
Exposure Limits: Strictly regulated for mercury compounds; OSHA PEL for mercury—0.1 mg/m³
Physical State: Solid powder
Color: Pale white to gray
Melting Point: Decomposes before melting
Odor: None detectable
Solubility (Water): Slightly soluble
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Stability: Unstable when heated, undergoes exothermic decomposition
Reactivity: Sensitive to heat and shock
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions, unstable at elevated temperatures
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, oxidizing agents, bases
Hazardous Reactions: Emits toxic fumes of mercury vapor, sulfur oxides, hydrogen cyanide on decomposition
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Mercury vapor, sulfur dioxide, carbon disulfide, cyanide compounds
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, dermal contact
Toxicity (Acute): Known to be acutely toxic—mercury compounds are systemic poisons
Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, headaches, hand tremors, cognitive deficits
Chronic Effects: Long-term nervous system and kidney damage, risk increases with cumulative exposure
Carcinogenic/Mutagenic Risks: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC, mutagenic potential not completely defined
Particularly At Risk: Children, pregnant women, those with kidney or neurological disorders
Aquatic Environmental Impact: Highly toxic to fish and invertebrates, long-term damage to aquatic systems
Persistence: Mercury persists in the environment, accumulates in food chains
Degradability: Does not readily break down under normal environmental conditions
Avoid Release: Even small quantities threaten water supplies and habitats
Bioaccumulation Potential: Mercury compounds concentrate in living organisms, including humans
Appropriate Disposal Methods: Hand over to licensed hazardous waste contractors
Container Management: Use sturdy, clearly labeled, puncture-proof containers
Sewer/Drain Disposal: Prohibited—never wash down with water
Recycling/Recovery: Not suitable for routine chemical recovery
Legal Restrictions: Disposal governed by hazardous waste regulations; breaking the rules risks environmental and legal consequences
UN Number: Assigned for mercury compounds—classification strictly regulated due to toxicity
Transport Hazard Class: Class 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group: II—high level of danger
Labeling Requirements: Toxic, environmental hazard
Safe Transport: Enforced by public safety laws, packaging must prevent leaks, spills, or dust
Regulation Bodies: Subject to environmental protection and chemical safety laws in most countries
Restricted Uses: Banned from consumer use in many regions
Mercury Content Regulations: Strict occupational exposure and disposal limits
International Agreements: Shipping, import, and export regulated by international chemical treaties
Occupational Safety Requirements: Industrial, research, and educational users must follow workplace health standards, perform regular risk assessments, and ensure staff receive up-to-date training on mercury risks
