Cuprous cyanide

Synonyms

Copper cyanide; Copper(+1) cyanide; Copper(I) cyanide; Cupricin; [ChemIDplus] UN1587

Category

Cyanides

Description

Colorless or white to cream colored or dark green or dark red solid; Practically insoluble in water; [Merck Index] White or cream colored powder; Insoluble in water; [MSDSonline]

Sources/Uses

Used as a polymerization catalyst, insecticide, fungicide (marine paints), and reagent (Sandmeyer reaction); Also used in electroplating copper and iron, silver plating, brass plating, and copper-tin alloy plating; [HSDB] Used to make phthalocyanine dyes; [Ullmann]

Comments

A skin, eye, nose, and throat irritant; Exposed workers are at risk for cyanide poisoning; [HSDB] An irritant; [MSDSonline] See "CYANIDES."

Biomedical References

5 mg/m3, as CN

2 mg/m3, inhalable fraction, as CN (0.01 mg/m3, respirable fraction-Cu inorganic.cmpnds)

25 mg/m3, as CN

Other Poison

Chemical Asphyxiant

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Asphyxiation, chemical

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Electroplating
• Farming (Pesticides)
• Painting (Pigments, Binders, and Biocides)