Substance profile
Calcium cyanide
Calcium cyanide is colorless crystals or white powder with an odor of hydrogen cyanide.
01 · Identification
What Calcium cyanide is
Calcium cyanide is colorless crystals or white powder with an odor of hydrogen cyanide. It melts at 350 °C, is soluble in water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as reactive agents - 1st degree.
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H300 | Fatal if swallowed. |
| H400 | Very toxic to aquatic life. |
| H410 | Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Supplemental EU statements: EUH032
Precautionary statements: P270, P273, P301, P310, P330, P391, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Calcium cyanide properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melting point | 350 °C (662 °F) | above this value | HSDB |
| Density | 1.853 g/cm³ | at 20 °C, solid | HSDB |
| 1.853 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 1.9 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | ICSC | |
| Solubility | Soluble in water with gradual liberation of HCN | HSDB | |
| Soluble in ethanol | HSDB | ||
| Soluble in very weak acid with evolution of hydrogen cyanide | HSDB | ||
| Vapor pressure | 0.03 mmHg | Haz-Map |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Calcium cyanide
Storage conditions
Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Separate from acids, oxidizing materials.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Reacts with water and acids evolving highly toxic hydrogen cyanide.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
CALCIUM CYANIDE gives weakly acidic solutions. Contact with acids causes rapid evolution of hydrogen cyanide. Incompatible with isocyanates, nitrides, and peroxides. May react rapidly with oxidizing agents.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Calcium cyanide in the storage compatibility matrix →