Substance profile
Cyanamide
Cyanamide is an orthorhombic, elongated, six-sided tablets from dimethyl phthalate.
01 · Identification
What Cyanamide is
Cyanamide is an orthorhombic, elongated, six-sided tablets from dimethyl phthalate. Its molecular formula is CH2N2 and its molecular weight is 42.04 g/mol. It boils at 260 °C, melts at 45 °C, is slightly soluble in water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as flammable agents - 3rd degree.
Other names for Cyanamide
- carbamonitril
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 |
|---|---|
| H351 | Suspected of causing cancer <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H361fd | Suspected of damaging fertility. Suspected of damaging the unborn child. |
| H311 | Toxic in contact with skin. |
| H301 | Toxic if swallowed. |
| H373 | May cause damage to organs <or state all organs affected, if known> through prolonged or repeated exposure <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H314 | Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. |
| H318 | Causes serious eye damage. |
| H317 | May cause an allergic skin reaction. |
| H412 | Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Precautionary statements: P201, P260, P261, P270, P272, P273, P280, P301, P302, P305, P308, P310, P313, P314, P330, P331, P333, P338, P352, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Cyanamide 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 260 °C (500 °F) | decomposes | NIOSH |
| 260 °C (500 °F) | decomposes, at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | 45 °C (113 °F) | NIOSH | |
| 44 °C (111.2 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Density | 1.28 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 1.282 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Slightly soluble in carbon disulfide | HSDB | |
| In chloroform 2.4 g/kg, 20 °C | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 0.0037 mmHg | at 20 °C | HSDB |
| 0.0038 mmHg | at 20 °C | ICSC | |
| Flash point | 141 °C (285.8 °F) | closed cup | HSDB |
| 141.11 °C (286 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | Combustible Solid | NIOSH | |
| Vapor density | 1.45 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| Corrosivity | Non-corrosive, as far as known | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Source notes
Further notes on Cyanamide
These are descriptions rather than measured values, so they are kept out of the table above and quoted here with the source that reported them.
Solubility
In butanol 28.8; ethyl acetate 42.4, methyl ethyl ketone 50.5 (all g/100 g at 20 °C); sol in phenols, amines, ethers, ketones; very sparingly soluble in benzene, halogenated hydrocarbons; practically insoluble in cyclohexane.
Source: HSDB
05 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Cyanamide
Storage conditions
The commercial 50% solution produced by Degussa AG is stabilized by a special buffer system to a pH between 4.0 and 4.6. Typically, it contains less than 1.5 % dicyandiamide, less than 0.5% urea, and less than 0.1 % thiourea. This solution is stable for at least 3 months if stored at a temperature below 20 °C. Prolonged storage leads to an increase in the pH and thus to instability of the solution. If a pH of 5.2 has been reached, the product should be used quickly, above pH 5.5 it should be discarded immediately by mixing it with at least the double volume of water. Otherwise, a thermal runaway reaction leading to temperatures above 100 °C and potential bursting of the container may occur.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
... On contact with acid or fumes, it emits toxic fumes of cyanide and nitroxides.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
CYANAMIDE is the amide of cyanic acid. Non-flammable but combustible (flash point: 140 °C). Decomposes on warming above 49 °C. Emits toxic fumes of CN- and NOx when heated to decomposition or on contact with acids or acid fumes (Hazardous Chemicals Desk Reference, p. 353 (1987)). Contact with moisture, acids or bases may cause a violent reaction at temperatures above about 40 °C. Dry solid may polymerize at temperatures above 122 °C. Rapid or explosive polymerization may occur during the evaporation of aqueous solutions. Reacts explosively with strong oxidizing agents and strong reducing agents. Attacks various metals (International Chemical Safety Card).
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Cyanamide in the storage compatibility matrix →