Description
Chemical Specifications
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Sodium Cyanide 98% |
| Chemical Formula | NaCN |
| CAS Number | 143-33-9 |
| Purity | ≥ 98% |
| Appearance | White, hygroscopic solid (typically in briquettes or powder) |
| Molecular Weight | 49.01 g/mol |
| Solubility | Soluble in water and alcohol |
| pH (1% solution) | 11.0–12.5 |
| Melting Point | 563 °C |
| Packaging | 25 kg or 50 kg drums, IBCs, or custom bulk packaging |
| UN Number | UN 1689 |
| Hazard Classification | Toxic (Class 6.1), Environmentally Hazardous |
Key Applications of Sodium Cyanide
🪙 1. Gold and Silver Mining
Sodium Cyanide is most commonly used in the cyanidation process, where it forms a water-soluble complex with gold or silver:
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Enables efficient leaching of gold from ores
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Used in heap leaching and carbon-in-pulp (CIP) methods
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Preferred for low-grade ore processing in large-scale operations
🧪 2. Chemical Intermediates
Used in the synthesis of various organic chemicals and chelating agents like:
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Cyanuric chloride
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Adiponitrile
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Acetonitrile
⚙️ 3. Electroplating and Metal Treatment
Sodium Cyanide plays a role in:
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Electroplating of metals such as silver, gold, and copper
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Surface finishing and cleaning of industrial components
Safety and Handling
Given its extreme toxicity, Sodium Cyanide requires strict storage and handling precautions:
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Always store in sealed, moisture-proof containers
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Use in well-ventilated areas
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Employ personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, goggles, and respirators
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In case of spillage, evacuate the area and neutralize with hydrogen peroxide or sodium hypochlorite
Environmental and Regulatory Compliance
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Sodium Cyanide is a regulated substance in most countries
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Compliant users must follow local hazardous material laws and environmental discharge permits
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Best practices include closed-loop cyanide recovery systems to minimize environmental impact
Conclusion
Sodium Cyanide 98% remains a critical chemical in modern industry, especially in the field of precious metal extraction. Its high purity and efficiency make it the preferred choice for gold mining operations worldwide. However, due to its inherent toxicity, it must be handled with the utmost care, and used only by trained professionals in controlled environments. When managed responsibly, Sodium Cyanide is a powerful and reliable tool that supports some of the world’s most essential industries.
