SODIUM CYANIDE

Sodium cyanide is an inorganic salt composed of sodium cations and cyanide anions, typically found as a white crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water.
Sodium cyanide's primary and most significant application is in the mining industry, where it serves as the dominant reagent for extracting gold and silver from ores through the cyanidation process, forming stable metal–cyanide complexes that enable efficient recovery.
Beyond mining, sodium cyanide is a versatile chemical intermediate used in the production of nitriles, dyes, pigments, pharmaceuticals, and in electroplating and metal finishing, making it a strategically important compound for multiple industrial sectors.

CAS Number: 143-33-9
EC Number: 205-599-4
Molecular Formula: NaCN
Molecular Weight: 49.01 g/mol

Synonyms: SODIUM CYANIDE, 143-33-9, Cymag, Cyanogran, Cyanide of sodium, NaCN, Sodium cyanide (Na(CN)), Cyanasalt H, Cyanasalt S, Cyanobrik, Kyanid sodny, Cianuro di sodio, Cyanure de sodium, Hydrocyanic acid, sodium salt, M-44 cyanide capsules, RCRA waste number P106, O5DDB9Z95G, EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 074002, NSC-77379, DTXSID4024309, CHEBI:33192, Cyanide, Sodium, sodiumcarbonitrile, DTXCID604309, 205-599-4, RefChem:6235, sodium;cyanide, Sodium cyanide [ISO], CHEMBL1644697, Caswell No. 758, Kyanid sodny [Czech], Cianuro di sodio [Italian], Cyanure de sodium [French], CNNa, CCRIS 7712, HSDB 734, Cyanure de sodium [ISO-French], EINECS 205-599-4, NSC 77379, UN1689, RCRA waste no. P106, UNII-O5DDB9Z95G, BRN 3587243, cyanosodium, Natriumcyanid, Natriumzyanid, sodium-cyanide, cyano sodium, sodium cyanide-, MFCD00003523, Sodium cyanide, solid, Sodium cyanide, granular, Sodium Cyanide ACS grade, SCHEMBL387, SCHEMBL388, WLN: NA CN, EC 205-599-4, WLN: NC-NA-, SODIUM CYANIDE [MI], SODIUM CYANIDE [HSDB], RTVFYQXEHKQMKO-UHFFFAOYSA-N, NSC77379, Sodium cyanide, reagent grade, 97%, AKOS009159016, Sodium cyanide [UN1689] [Poison], Sodium cyanide, ACS reagent, >=95.0%, NS00075633, Sodium cyanide, SAJ first grade, >=90.0%, C18673, Sodium cyanide, JIS special grade, >=97.0%, Sodium cyanide, purum p.a., >=96.0% (AT), Q410185

Sodium cyanide is an inorganic salt composed of sodium (Na⁺) and cyanide (CN⁻) ions, typically found as a white crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water.
Sodium cyanide is widely recognized for its role as an essential reagent in the mining industry, particularly in the extraction of precious metals such as gold and silver through the cyanidation process, where it forms stable metal–cyanide complexes that allow efficient separation and recovery. 

Beyond metallurgy, sodium cyanide serves as an important chemical intermediate in the synthesis of a broad range of organic and inorganic compounds, including nitriles, specialty chemicals, dyes, and certain pharmaceutical intermediates.
Sodium cyanide is also used in electroplating, metal finishing, and surface treatment processes, where it contributes to producing smooth, uniform coatings.
Due to its strong reactivity and solubility, sodium cyanide plays a vital role in various industrial chemical processes that require stable cyanide complexes, making it a strategically significant compound for multiple sectors of modern industry.

Sodium cyanide is a compound with the formula NaCN and the structure Na+ −C≡N.
Sodium cyanide is a white, water-soluble solid. Cyanide has a high affinity for metals, which leads to the high toxicity of this salt.

Sodium cyanide's main application, in gold mining, also exploits its high reactivity toward metals.
Sodium cyanide is a moderately strong base.

Sodium cyanide is a salt of cyanide containing equal numbers of sodium cations and cyanide anions.
Sodium cyanide has a role as an EC 1.15.1.1 (superoxide dismutase) inhibitor.
Cyanide salt is a one-carbon compound and sodium salt.

Sodium cyanide is a cyanide salt that is a white, deliquescent, crystalline powder and is soluble in water.
The specific gravity is 1.6, which is heavier than water.

Sodium cyanide is toxic by inhalation and ingestion, with a TLV of 4.7 ppm and 5 mg/m3 of air.
The target organs are the cardiovascular system, central nervous system, kidneys, liver, and skin.

Reactions with acids can release flammable and toxic hydrogen cyanide gas.
Cyanides are incompatible with all acids. The four-digit UN identification number is 1689.

The NFPA 704 designation is health 3, flammability 0, and reactivity 0.
The primary uses are in gold and silver extraction from ores, electroplating, fumigation, and insecticides.

Sodium cyanide is a widely used inorganic compound composed of sodium cations (Na⁺) and cyanide anions (CN⁻).
Sodium cyanide generally appears as a white, crystalline solid or in granular form and is readily soluble in water, producing strongly alkaline solutions.

Industrially, sodium cyanide is best known as a key reagent in hydrometallurgy, particularly for the extraction of gold and silver from ores via the cyanidation process, where it forms highly stable complexes with precious metals, enabling efficient separation and recovery even from low-grade deposits.
This application has made sodium cyanide indispensable to the global mining industry, where it significantly improves productivity and metal yield.

In addition to metallurgy, Sodium cyanide serves as a chemical intermediate in the synthesis of numerous organic and inorganic products, including nitriles, pigments, dyes, and pharmaceutical precursors.
Sodium cyanide is also utilized in electroplating, surface treatment, and metal finishing, where it contributes to producing smooth, uniform coatings that enhance durability and performance.

Due to its high reactivity and reliable complex-forming ability, sodium cyanide has become a critical material in modern chemical industries, supporting applications across manufacturing, materials processing, and fine chemical production.
Sodium cyanide's solubility, stability in solid form, and efficiency in binding metals underpin its role as one of the most strategically important cyanide salts used worldwide in industrial chemistry.

Market Overview of Sodium Cyanide:
The global market for sodium cyanide is experiencing steady growth, primarily driven by its indispensable role in the mining industry, where it is used as the dominant reagent in the extraction of gold and silver through cyanidation.
In 2024, the market was valued at approximately USD 2.5–2.8 billion, with forecasts projecting expansion to nearly USD 4.0–4.25 billion by 2031–2033, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4–6%.

On a volume basis, global demand is expected to climb from about 1.24 million tons in 2025 to more than 1.5 million tons by 2030, highlighting its continuing strategic role in precious metal recovery.
Asia-Pacific leads the market due to large-scale mining operations and rising industrial demand in China, Australia, and India, while North America represents one of the fastest-growing regions, supported by investments in efficient mining technologies and recent capacity expansions, such as Orica’s USD 640 million acquisition of U.S.-based Cyanco in 2024.

Beyond mining, sodium cyanide maintains a solid presence as a chemical intermediate in the production of nitriles, dyes, specialty chemicals, and for applications in electroplating, surface finishing, and metal treatment, which collectively contribute to market diversification.
Growth is underpinned by increasing global consumption of precious metals for electronics, jewelry, and investment assets, while sustainability challenges and strict environmental regulations shape the competitive landscape, pushing producers toward compliance with the International Cyanide Management Code (ICMC) and greener production practices.
Leading global manufacturers such as Orica, Cyanco, Evonik, Draslovka, and Chemours dominate supply, with ongoing mergers, capacity expansions, and technology developments ensuring sodium cyanide’s continued relevance as a critical industrial chemical with strong demand fundamentals across multiple sectors.

Uses of Sodium Cyanide:
Sodium cyanide is primarily valued for its wide range of industrial applications, with its most significant use in the mining industry as the leading reagent for extracting gold and silver from ores through the cyanidation process.
By forming highly stable metal–cyanide complexes, sodium cyanide allows efficient leaching and recovery of precious metals, even from low-grade deposits, making it indispensable to modern gold and silver production worldwide.

Beyond mining, sodium cyanide is a critical chemical intermediate, serving as a starting material in the synthesis of numerous organic and inorganic compounds, including nitriles, acrylic fibers, pharmaceuticals, and specialty chemicals.
In the chemical industry, Sodium cyanide is used in the manufacture of pigments and dyes, where it facilitates the formation of stable colorants with strong bonding properties.

Sodium cyanide also plays an important role in electroplating, metal finishing, and surface treatment, where it contributes to smooth, uniform coatings that enhance corrosion resistance and extend the lifespan of metal products.
Additional applications include Sodium cyanide's use in heat treatment of steel, in laboratory research, and as a reagent in the production of adhesives and other specialty products.
Sodium cyanide's versatility, solubility, and strong complex-forming ability make sodium cyanide a cornerstone material across mining, manufacturing, metallurgy, and chemical synthesis, ensuring its continued importance in global industrial processes.

Sodium cyanide is used for electroplating metals such as zinc, copper, cadmium, silver, and gold, and their alloys; for extracting gold and silver from ores; and as a fumigant and a chelating agent.
Sodium cyanide occurs in many varieties of maniocs (cassava), especially in bitter manioc.

Sodium cyanide is used as a starting material for the preparation of Reissert compounds, cyanogen bromide, cyanuric chloride and cyanogen chloride.
Sodium cyanide acts as a catalyst for the aminolysis of esters to primary amides.

Furthermore, Sodium cyanide is used for fumigation, in electroplating and for extracting gold and silver in mining industry.
In organic synthesis, Sodium cyanide is involved in the cyanation reaction of alkyl halides under phase transfer conditions.

For the extraction of gold and silver from ores; gold (or silver) reacts with sodium cyanide in the presence of air to form the complex sodium cyanurate, which dissolves the gold from the ore.
Further reaction with zinc can displace gold, generating sodium cyanate and free the gold out.

4Au + 8NaCN + O2 + 2H2O → 4Na [Au (CN) 2] + 4NaOH
Na [Au (CN) 2] + Zn → Na [Zn (CN) 3] + Au

Others can also be used for iron blue (intermediate sodium ferrocyanide production), cyanuric chloride (intermediate product of cyanide production), plating bath (copper, cadmium and other plating, DL-methionine synthesis).
Sodium cyanide can act as liquid steel carburizing agent with barium chloride (usually accompanied with a bath temperature of 800 °C or more; should add salts that don’t cause Sodium cyanide evaporation at high temperature) , and for pesticides and other purposes.

Sodium cyanide is used in intermediates, coating agents and surface treatment agents, processing aids, solid release agents.
Sodium cyanide is used as flotation reagent.

Sodium cyanide is an inorganic compound with the formula NaCN.
Sodium cyanide is a white, water-soluble solid.

Cyanide has a high affinity for metals, which contributes to its high toxicity.
Sodium cyanide's main application, gold mining, also exploits its high reactivity to metals.
When treated with acid, Sodium cyanide forms the toxic gas hydrogen cyanide.

Sodium cyanide is produced by treating hydrogen cyanide with sodium hydroxide:
HCN + NaOH → NaCN + H2O

Sodium cyanide is primarily used in the mining industry for the extraction of gold and other precious metals.
This application exploits the high affinity of gold (I) for cyanide, which oxidizes the gold metal and causes it to dissolve in the presence of air (oxygen) and water, producing sodium gold cyanide salt (or gold sodium cyanide) and sodium hydroxide.

In a similar process, potassium cyanide (KCN, a close relative of sodium cyanide) is used to produce potassium gold cyanide (KAu(CN)2).
No other extraction methods exist.

Cyanide has been used to derive several commercially important chemical compounds, including cyanuric chloride, cyanogen chloride, and many nitriles.
In organic synthesis, cyanide, classified as a strong nucleophile, is used to prepare nitriles, which are commonly found in many specialty chemicals, including pharmaceuticals.
Because it is highly toxic, sodium cyanide is used to quickly kill or stun animals, such as in illegal cyanide fishing and in collecting jars used by entomologists.

Industry Uses:
Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable
Chelating agent
Intermediates
Solids separation agents
Chemical reaction regulator
Processing aids, not otherwise listed
Plating agents and surface treating agents
Leaching agent

Consumer Uses:
Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable
Solids separation agents

Applications of Sodium Cyanide:

Cyanide mining:
Gold cyanidation (also known as the cyanide process) is the dominant technique for extracting gold, much of which is obtained from low-grade ore.
More than 70% of cyanide consumption globally is used for this purpose.

The application exploits the high affinity of gold(I) for cyanide, which induces gold metal to oxidize and dissolve in the presence of air (oxygen) and water, producing the salt sodium dicyanoaurate (or sodium gold cyanide) (NaAu(CN)2):
4 Au + 8 NaCN + O2 + 2 H2O → 4 Na[Au(CN)2] + 4 NaOH

A similar process uses potassium cyanide (KCN, a close relative of sodium cyanide) to produce potassium dicyanoaurate (KAu(CN)2).
These soluble forms of gold (and silver) can be converted back to the metals by electrolysis.

Chemical feedstock:
Some commercially significant chemicals are derived from cyanide:
Cyanuric chloride, cyanogen chloride, and cyanogen.

Several specialty nitriles may be produced by alkylation of cyanide, a strong nucleophile.

Illustrative is the synthesis of benzyl cyanide by the reaction of benzyl chloride and sodium cyanide:
C6H5CH2Cl + NaCN → C6H5CH2CN + NaCl

Electroplating:
Cyanide baths (solutions) of metal ions are used to electroplate many metals, including platinum, gold, and silver.
Cadmium plating gives excellent corrosion resistance and is achieved using cadmium oxide and sodium cyanide.
Copper 'strikes' (thin high quality layers) are traditionally formed using cyanide electroplating, these thin interstitial layers allow adhesion between metals that are usually incompatible, such as chromium and aluminium.

Niche uses:
Being highly toxic, sodium cyanide is used to kill or stun rapidly such as in collecting jars used by entomologists and in widely illegal cyanide fishing.
Sodium cyanide was used as an insecticide, rodenticide and antibacterial, but these uses were cancelled by the EPA in 1987.

Benefits of Sodium Cyanide:
The primary benefit of sodium cyanide lies in its exceptional efficiency as a complexing and leaching agent, which makes it the cornerstone of modern gold and silver mining operations worldwide.
Sodium cyanide's ability to form highly stable, water-soluble complexes with precious metals allows for the economical recovery of gold and silver from even low-grade ores, thereby maximizing yield and reducing waste.

This efficiency directly translates into significant economic advantages, enabling mining companies to operate profitably in regions where ore quality is declining.
Beyond mining, sodium cyanide offers substantial industrial benefits as a versatile chemical intermediate, facilitating the synthesis of nitriles, dyes, pharmaceuticals, and specialty chemicals that support multiple downstream industries.

In metal finishing and electroplating, Sodium cyanide's role in creating smooth, uniform coatings enhances the durability, conductivity, and corrosion resistance of products, adding value in automotive, electronics, and aerospace sectors.
Sodium cyanide’s high solubility and reactivity also contribute to process reliability, ensuring predictable outcomes in large-scale industrial operations.

From a supply-chain perspective, Sodium cyanide is relatively cost-effective to produce and transport, allowing global manufacturers to maintain stable supply for mining and chemical markets.
Collectively, these attributes—efficiency, versatility, cost-effectiveness, and reliability—position sodium cyanide as a vital enabler of modern industry, supporting not only resource extraction but also a broad spectrum of chemical manufacturing processes.

Production and Chemical Properties of Sodium Cyanide:

Sodium cyanide is produced by treating hydrogen cyanide with sodium hydroxide:
HCN + NaOH → NaCN + H2O

Worldwide production was estimated at 500,000 tons in the year 2006.
Formerly Sodium cyanide was prepared by the Castner process involving the reaction of sodium amide with carbon at elevated temperatures.

NaNH2 + C → NaCN + H2

The structure of solid Sodium cyanide is related to that of sodium chloride.
The anions and cations are each six-coordinate.
Potassium cyanide (KCN) adopts a similar structure.

When treated with acid, Sodium cyanide forms the toxic gas hydrogen cyanide:
NaCN + H+ → HCN + Na+

Because the salt is derived from a weak acid, sodium cyanide readily reverts to HCN by hydrolysis; the moist solid emits small amounts of hydrogen cyanide, which is thought to smell like bitter almonds (not everyone can smell it—the ability thereof is due to a genetic trait).
Sodium cyanide reacts rapidly with strong acids to release hydrogen cyanide.
This dangerous process represents a significant risk associated with cyanide salts.

Sodium cyanide is detoxified most efficiently with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to produce sodium cyanate (NaOCN) and water:
NaCN + H2O2 → NaOCN + H2O

Chemical Properties:
Sodium cyanide is a white crystalline solid that is odourless when dry but emits a slight odour of HCN in damp air.
Sodium cyanide is slightly soluble in ethanol and formamide.

Sodium cyanide is very poisonous.
Sodium cyanide explodes if melted with nitrite or chlorate at about 450°F.

Sodium cyanide produces a violent reaction with magnesium, nitrites, nitrates, and nitric acid.
On contact with acid, acid fumes, water, or steam, Sodium cyanide will produce toxic and flammable vapours.

For the extraction of gold and silver ore, copper, zinc, carburizing, medicine and so on.
For metallurgy, steel quenching, electroplating, extraction (forming cyanide), organic synthesis of raw materials, insecticidal and anti-corrosion.

Preparation of Sodium Cyanide:
Sodium cyanide can be prepared by several methods (See Potassium Cyanide).

Sodium cyanide is prepared by passing hydrogen cyanide through a 50% aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide followed by evaporation of the solution in vacuum:
NaOH + HCN → NaCN + H2O

Another method is to reduce sodamide with carbon at red heat:
NaNH2 + C → NaCN + H2↑

Also, sodium cyanide can be made by heating a mixture of sodium carbonate and carbon with ammonia at high temperatures:
Na2CO3 + 4C + 2NH3 → 2NaCN + 3CO↑ + 3H2↑.

Reactions of Sodium Cyanide:
Sodium cyanide formed (1) by reaction of sodamide and carbon at high temperature, (2) by reaction of calcium cyanamide and sodium chloride at high temperature, reacts in dilute solution in air with gold or silver to form soluble sodium gold or silver cyanide, and used for this purpose in the cyanide process for recovery of gold.
The percentage of available cyanide is greater than in potassium cyanide previously used.
Sodium cyanide is used as a source of cyanide, and for hydrocyanic acid.

History of Sodium Cyanide:
The history of sodium cyanide is closely tied to the development of modern metallurgy and industrial chemistry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Although cyanide compounds were known earlier, the large-scale production and use of sodium cyanide began in the 1880s, following the invention of the MacArthur–Forrest cyanidation process (1887), which revolutionized gold and silver extraction by demonstrating that dilute cyanide solutions could efficiently dissolve precious metals.

This breakthrough triggered a surge in demand for sodium cyanide as the most practical and effective cyanide salt for large-scale mining, replacing older, less efficient methods of metal recovery.
By the early 20th century, sodium cyanide was being manufactured commercially in Europe and North America, primarily by reacting hydrogen cyanide (HCN) with sodium hydroxide (NaOH).

Sodium cyanide's production later expanded globally, particularly in regions with strong mining industries such as South Africa, Australia, and the United States.
During the 20th century, sodium cyanide also found wider use as a chemical intermediate, enabling the growth of synthetic organic chemistry by supporting the manufacture of nitriles, dyes, and pharmaceuticals, as well as contributing to electroplating and metal finishing industries.

Over time, Sodium cyanide's importance grew in parallel with industrialization and the rising global demand for precious metals, ensuring its position as a strategically significant compound in the world economy.
In recent decades, sodium cyanide has continued to evolve under the influence of regulatory frameworks and industry codes of practice, such as the International Cyanide Management Code (ICMC), which emerged in the early 2000s to ensure safer production, transport, and application in mining.
Today, sodium cyanide remains a critical chemical in hydrometallurgy and industrial chemistry, its history reflecting both the scientific innovation of the 19th century and the industrial expansion of the modern era.

Handling and Storage of Sodium Cyanide:
Sodium cyanide should only be handled in designated, well-ventilated areas by trained personnel.
Avoid any direct contact with skin, eyes, or clothing, and prevent generation of dust.

Use only dedicated, corrosion-resistant containers (steel drums or bulk tanks with protective coatings) and ensure that packaging is tightly sealed when not in use.
Store in a cool, dry, secure facility away from acids, oxidizing agents, and sources of moisture, as contact with acids releases hydrogen cyanide gas.
Facilities should be equipped with emergency showers, eyewash stations, and appropriate spill containment systems.

Stability and Reactivity of Sodium Cyanide:

Stability:
Stable under normal temperature and pressure when kept dry and sealed.

Conditions to Avoid:
Moisture, high humidity, heat, and contact with acids or oxidizers.

Incompatible Materials:
Strong acids, oxidizing agents, carbon dioxide, and some transition metal salts.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:
Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) gas may be released under acidic or damp conditions.

Reactivity:
Reacts vigorously with acids; forms stable complexes with transition metals (e.g., gold, silver).

First Aid Measures of Sodium Cyanide:

Inhalation:
Move the person immediately to fresh air.
Keep them warm and at rest.
Provide oxygen if trained to do so.
Seek emergency medical assistance without delay.

Skin Contact:
Remove contaminated clothing. 
Wash affected area thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes.
Medical evaluation required.

Eye Contact:
Rinse cautiously with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, keeping eyelids open.
Seek immediate medical help.

Ingestion:
Do not induce vomiting.
Rinse mouth with water if conscious.

Provide water to drink.
Seek immediate medical attention.

Firefighting Measures of Sodium Cyanide:

Flammability:
Sodium cyanide itself is not flammable, but it can generate flammable and toxic gases (hydrogen cyanide) if exposed to fire or high heat.

Suitable Extinguishing Media:
Use dry chemical, CO₂, or foam.
Do not use water directly on sodium cyanide spills, as it can produce HCN gas.

Protective Equipment:
Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective clothing.

Hazardous Combustion Products:
Hydrogen cyanide gas, oxides of nitrogen, and carbon oxides.

Accidental Release Measures of Sodium Cyanide:

Personal Precautions:
Evacuate non-essential personnel.
Wear full PPE including gloves, goggles, chemical suit, and respirator.

Containment:
Prevent material from entering sewers, drains, or natural waterways.

Cleanup:
Carefully collect solid or granular spills using clean, dry tools and place in labeled, sealed containers for disposal.
Neutralize residual contamination with a dilute alkaline hypochlorite solution (e.g., sodium hypochlorite) under controlled conditions.

Emergency Response:
Ensure proper ventilation.
Trained hazardous material teams should handle large releases.

Exposure Controls / Personal Protective Equipment of Sodium Cyanide:

Engineering Controls:
Use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation, and closed transfer systems to minimize exposure.

Respiratory Protection:
If airborne concentrations may exceed limits, wear an approved respirator with acid gas/HCN cartridges or SCBA in emergencies.

Skin Protection:
Wear chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile, neoprene, or PVC) and protective clothing.

Eye/Face Protection:
Use chemical safety goggles and/or full face shield.

General Hygiene:
Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling.
Wash thoroughly after handling.
Keep contaminated clothing separate and wash before reuse.

Identifiers of Sodium Cyanide:
CAS Number: 143-33-9
ChEMBL: ChEMBL1644697
ChemSpider: 8587
ECHA InfoCard: 100.005.091
EC Number: 205-599-4
PubChem CID: 8929
RTECS number: VZ7525000
UNII: O5DDB9Z95G
UN number: 1689
CompTox Dashboard (EPA): DTXSID4024309
InChI: InChI=1S/CN.Na/c1-2;/q-1;+1
Key: MNWBNISUBARLIT-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI=1S/CN.Na/c1-2;/q-1;+1
Key: MNWBNISUBARLIT-UHFFFAOYAG
SMILES: [C-]#N.[Na+]

IUPAC Name: Sodium cyanide
Systematic Name: Sodium hydrogen carbononitrile
CAS Number: 143-33-9
EC Number (EINECS): 205-599-4
PubChem CID: 892
ChemSpider ID: 867
UNII (FDA Unique Ingredient Identifier): 6M3C89ZY4H
UN Number (Transport): UN 1689
HS Code (Customs Tariff): 2837.11.00 (Sodium cyanide, in solid form)
RTECS Number: VY8050000
Molecular Formula: NaCN
Molecular Weight: 49.01 g/mol
InChI: InChI=1S/CHN.Na/c2-1;/h1H;/q;+1/p-1
InChI Key: XUVCHZKXDORPTG-UHFFFAOYSA-M
Canonical SMILES: [Na+].[C-]#N
Chemical Family: Inorganic cyanide salts

IUPAC Name: Sodium cyanide
Systematic Name: Sodium carbononitrile
CAS Number: 143-33-9
EC Number (EINECS): 205-599-4
PubChem CID: 892
ChemSpider ID: 867

UNII (FDA Unique Ingredient Identifier): 6M3C89ZY4H
RTECS Number: VY8050000
Beilstein Registry Number: 3593955
Merck Index Number: 8560
MDL Number: MFCD00003579
UN Number (Transport Classification): UN 1689

Molecular Formula: NaCN
Molecular Weight: 49.01 g/mol
Hill System Formula: CNaN
Canonical SMILES: [Na+].[C-]#N
Standard InChI: InChI=1S/CHN.Na/c2-1;/h1H;/q;+1/p-1
InChI Key: XUVCHZKXDORPTG-UHFFFAOYSA-M

Properties of Sodium Cyanide:
Chemical formula: NaCN
Molar mass: 49.0072 g/mol
Appearance: white solid
Odor: faint bitter almond-like
Density: 1.5955 g/cm3
Melting point: 563.7 °C (1,046.7 °F; 836.9 K)
Boiling point: 1,496 °C (2,725 °F; 1,769 K)
Solubility in water: 48.15 g/100 mL (10 °C)
63.7 g/100 mL (25 °C)
Solubility: soluble in ammonia, methanol, ethanol
very slightly soluble in dimethylformamide, SO2
insoluble in dimethyl sulfoxide
Refractive index (nD): 1.452

Molecular Weight: 49.007 g/mol
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count: 0
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count: 2
Rotatable Bond Count: 0
Exact Mass: 48.99284329 Da
Monoisotopic Mass: 48.99284329 Da
Topological Polar Surface Area: 23.8 Ų
Heavy Atom Count: 3
Complexity: 12.8
Isotope Atom Count: 0
Defined Atom Stereocenter Count: 0
Undefined Atom Stereocenter Count: 0
Defined Bond Stereocenter Count: 0
Undefined Bond Stereocenter Count: 0
Covalently-Bonded Unit Count: 2
Compound Is Canonicalized: Yes

Melting point: 563.7 °C(lit.)
Boiling point: 1497°C
Density: 1.6
bulk density: 750-900kg/m3
vapor density: 1.7 (vs air)
vapor pressure: 1 mm Hg ( 817 °C)
Flash point: 1500°C
storage temp.: Poison room
solubility: H2O: 1 M at 20 °C, clear, colorless
form: Solid
pka: 9.36[at 20 ℃]
color: White
PH Range: 11-12

Thermochemistry of Sodium Cyanide:
Heat capacity (C): 70.4 J·mol−1·K−1
Std molar entropy (S⦵298): 115.6 J·mol−1·K−1
Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298): −87.5 kJ·mol−1
Gibbs free energy (ΔfG⦵): −76.4 kJ·mol−1
Enthalpy of fusion (ΔfH⦵fus): 8.79 kJ·mol−1

Related compound of Sodium Cyanide:
Hydrogen cyanide

Other cations:
Potassium cyanide