Cyanamide

  • Carbodiimide
  • Hydrogen cyanamide
  • Amidocyanogen
Formula H2NCN
Structure
Description Orthorhombic, elongated, six-sided tablets from dimethyl phthalate
Uses Dimer (dicyandiamide) is the raw material for melamine and guanidine.

Registry Numbers and Inventories.
CAS 420-04-2
EC (EINECS/ELINCS) 206-992-3
EC Index Number 615-013-00-2
EC Class Toxic; Harmful; Irritant; Sensitising
EC Risk Phrase R 21 25 36/38 43
EC Safety Phrase S 3 22 36/37 45
RTECS GS5950000
RTECS class Agricultural Chemical and Pesticide; Drug; Reproductive Effector
UN (DOT) 3276
Merck 13,2713
Beilstein/Gmelin 1732569
Beilstein Reference 4-03-00-00145
EPA OPP 14002
Swiss Giftliste 1 G-5195
Canada DSL/NDSL DSL
US TSCA Listed
Austrailia AICS Listed
New Zealand Listed
Japan ENCS (MITI) Listed
Korea ECL Listed

Properties.
Formula CH2N2
Formula mass 42.04
Boiling point, °C 259
Vapor pressure, mmHg 0.014 (25 C)
Vapor density (air=1) 1.45
Density 1.285 g/cm3 (20 C)
Solubility in water 775 g/L
Refractive index 1.4418 (48 C)
pKa/pKb 12.90 (pKb)
Heat of fusion 7.3 kJ/mol
Heat of vaporization 49.6 kJ/mol
Heat of combustion -718 kJ/mol

Hazards and Protection.
Storage Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances. Refrigerator (approx 4 C). Keep containers tightly closed.
Handling Wash thoroughly after handling. Use with adequate ventilation. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Keep container tightly closed. Avoid ingestion and inhalation.
Protection Eyes: Wear appropriate protective eyeglasses or chemical safety goggles as described by OSHA's eye and face protection regulations in 29 CFR 1910.133 or European Standard EN166. Skin: Wear appropriate protective gloves to prevent skin exposure. Clothing: Wear appropriate protective clothing to prevent skin exposure.
Respirators Follow the OSHA respirator regulations found in 29CFR 1910.134 or European Standard EN 149. Always use a NIOSH or European Standard EN 149 approved respirator when necessary.
Small spills/leaks Absorb spill with inert material, (e.g., dry sand or earth), then place into a chemical waste container. Avoid runoff into storm sewers and ditches which lead to waterways. Provide ventilation.
Stability Stable under normal temperatures and pressures. Thermally unstable.
Incompatibilities Strong oxidizing agents - strong reducing agents - acids - bases.
Decomposition Hydrogen cyanide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen.

Fire.
Flash Point,°C 1.2
Fire fighting Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full protective gear. During a fire, irritating and highly toxic gases may be generated by thermal decomposition or combustion. Combustible solid. May be ignited by heat, sparks, and flame. Extinguishing media: Do NOT get water inside containers. In case of fire use dry chemical, dry sand, or carbon dioxide.
Fire potential Slightly flammable. Combustion requires preheating. Moderate hazard.
Combustion products Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
NFPA Health 4
  Flammability 1  
  Reactivity 0  

Health.
Exposure limit(s) TLV: ppm; 2 mg/m3 (ACGIH 1993-1994). NIOSH REL: TWA 2 mg/m3
Poison_Class 3
Exposure effects Rapid heart rate may occur. Abnormally low blood pressure and low heart rate are rare. Headache, dizziness, fatigue, vertigo, and coma may be part of the disulfiram-like reaction.
   Ingestion Harmful if swallowed. Causes digestive tract irritation.
   Inhalation Dust is irritating to the respiratory tract.
   Skin Causes severe skin irritation. Harmful if absorbed through the skin.
   Eyes Dust may cause mechanical irritation. Causes severe eye irritation.

First aid
 
   Ingestion If victim is conscious and alert, give 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical aid immediately.
   Inhalation Remove from exposure to fresh air immediately. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get medical aid.
   Skin Get medical aid. Flush skin with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse.
   Eyes Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical aid immediately.

Transport.
UN number 3276
Response guide 151
Hazard class 6.1
PRTC T
Packing Group I; II; III