© 2026 Sinochem Nanjing Corporation,
All Right Reserved
Product Name: Potassium Silver Cyanide
Chemical Formula: KAg(CN)2
Synonyms: Silver potassium dicyanide
Appearance: White to colorless powder or crystals, often with bitter almond odor from cyanide
Main Uses: Electroplating, silver extraction, chemical synthesis
Acute Toxicity: Highly toxic if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through skin
Main Hazards: Cyanide poisoning, respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, silver exposure effects
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye contact, ingestion
Chronic Effects: Possible nerve damage, thyroid effects, and cyanosis with ongoing exposure
Warning Signs: Headache, dizziness, rapid pulse, labored breathing, vomiting
Immediate Danger: Risk from even small dust exposure or contact with acids—produces lethal hydrogen cyanide gas
Potassium Silver Cyanide (KAg(CN)2): Over 98% by weight
Major Ingredients: Potassium Cyanide, Silver Nitrate by reaction
Potential Impurities: Non-toxic metal salts, residual reactants
Inhalation: Move person into fresh air straight away, start CPR if breathing fails, avoid direct exposure rescuers
Skin Contact: Wash with lots of water and soap, remove any contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes under running water for at least 15 minutes, do not let victim rub eyes
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, call emergency medical help at once, keep person calm and still
Antidote: Access to cyanide antidote kits is essential in workplaces using this compound
Medical Note: Quick response is the only hope—symptoms set in quickly and escalate fast
Flammability: Does not burn itself, but decomposes under fire conditions to release extremely toxic fumes of hydrogen cyanide and oxides of nitrogen
Fire Extinguishing Methods: Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or foam, never use water directly—may spread contamination
Firefighting Gear: Firefighters must wear full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus
Special Dangers: Fire or heat near this material can make any cyanide leaks much deadlier
Evacuation: Immediate evacuation around spills may be needed because cyanide gases spread rapidly
Personal Precautions: Wear full chemical protective clothing including positive-pressure respirator
Environmental Protection: Keep out of drains, sewers, and waterways—cyanide is deadly to aquatic life
Clean-Up Methods: Sweep up carefully, no creation of dust, use wet methods if possible, seal in special hazardous waste containers
Spill Response: Trained spill teams only, area must be well-ventilated, neutralize residues with diluted bleach cautiously
Handling Practices: Always handle inside fume hood, keep away from acids, avoid creating dust or small particles
Personal Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly after use, never eat, drink, or smoke in areas where material is present
Storage Needs: Store in tightly closed non-reactive containers, away from sunlight, high humidity, and acids
Security: Limit access—cyanides are theft and poisoning targets
Labeling: Place clear hazard warning labels on all containers and doors
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation, keep air levels down
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (not leather), full splash goggles or face shield, chemical suit or apron, approved respirators for cyanide dusts and vapors
Work Practice: Use disposable equipment when possible, decontaminate all surfaces after use
Exposure Limits: OSHA sets permissible exposure limit for cyanide compounds around 5 mg/m3 as cyanide (varies by country), but any exposure above this level is dangerous
Regular Checks: Workplace air monitoring and medical surveillance for those exposed is a must
Appearance: White or colorless powder, may cake upon moisture
Molecular Weight: About 213 g/mol
Solubility: Highly soluble in water
Odor: Almond-like, though not everyone can smell it due to genetic factors
Stability: Stable under cool, dry, and dark storage but decomposes to deadly cyanide gas with moisture, heat, or acids
Boiling Point/Melting Point: Decomposes before boiling; melting point around 210°C (decomposes)
Chemical Stability: Stable in original containers if not exposed to acid, water, or high heat
Reactions: Violent reaction with acids releases hydrogen cyanide gas instantly
Incompatible Materials: Acids, strong oxidizers, some metals
Unpleasant Surprises: Mixtures with acid drain cleaners, pool chemicals, or even certain cleaning agents can trigger disaster
Primary Hazard: Cyanide blocks cellular respiration, shuts down oxygen use in cells
Acute Health Effects: Seizures, loss of consciousness, breathing arrest, rapid death
Long-term Exposure: Thyroid problems, nerve damage, headaches, anxiety, damage to vision and hearing
Sensitization: Can lead to recurrent allergic reactions
Other Risks: Silver exposure can turn skin or eyes blue-gray permanently if absorbed
No Safe Exposure: Even minute accidental exposure can be tragic—constant vigilance saves lives
Environmental Fate: Highly toxic to aquatic organisms and wildlife
Bioaccumulation: Cyanide compounds break down over time, but silver persists in soil and water
Persistence: Silver stays in ecosystems long after cyanide is neutralized
Acute Effects: Fish kills and bird poisonings have followed spills
Long-term Impact: Persistent contamination around facilities requires monitored clean-up and site restrictions
Preferred Approach: Treat waste with strong oxidizer like sodium hypochlorite (bleach) in controlled process, never pour untreated cyanide waste into sewers or ground
Hazardous Waste: Collection by licensed hazardous waste handlers only
Containers: Never reuse—dispose of as hazardous waste with tight seals
Special Warning: All remnants, cleanup residues, and contaminated equipment must go through strict protocols—casual disposal threatens drinking water and communities
Hazard Designation: Transported as highly toxic hazardous material
Packing Group: Category I—greatest hazard, means toughest rules
Labeling: Cyanide, toxic, environmental hazard warning signage
Mode Limits: Road, rail, and sea cargo only—commercial flights ban this material
Accident Response: Emergency plans along transport routes for leaks or road crashes
Regulatory Details: Regular inspection and certified handlers for all material in transit
Governing Regulations: Strict local, regional, and national rules on use, storage, transport, and disposal
Workplace Standards: Mandatory training, poisoning response drills, regular medical checks
Licensing: Facilities and users must be registered, routine inspections enforce compliance
Reporting Requirements: Any spill, exposure, or theft must be reported immediately to local authorities
Public Health Safeguards: Community risk assessments and accessible emergency care planning demanded near production or waste sites
