Cyanogen chloride toxicity

Cyanide destmction by alkaline chlorination is a widely used process. With alkaline chlorination, cyanide is first converted to cyanate with hypochlorite [7681-52-9] at a pH greater than 10. A high pH is required to prevent the formation of cyanogen chloride [506-77-4] which is toxic and may evolve in gaseous form at a lower pH. With additional hypochlorite, cyanate is then oxidized to bicarbonate, nitrogen gas, and chloride. The pH for this second stage is 7—9.5 (6). 

Cyanide compounds are classified as either simple or complex. It is usually necessary to decompose complex cyanides by an acid reflux. The cyanide is then distilled into sodium hydroxide to remove compounds that would interfere in analysis. Extreme care should be taken during the distillation as toxic hydrogen cyanide is generated. The cyanide in the alkaline distillate can then be measured potentiometricaHy with an ion-selective electrode. Alternatively, the cyanide can be determined colorimetricaHy. It is converted to cyanogen chloride by reaction with chloramine-T at pH <8. The CNCl then reacts with a pyridine barbituric acid reagent to form a red-blue dye. 

Caution Since cyanogen chloride is highly toxic, the preparation and isolaiion of the sulfonyl cyanide should be condwted in a well-ventilated hood. 

Cyanogen chloride (Chlorine cyanide) CNCI Poisonous liquid or gas Vapour highly irritating and very toxic Colourless liquid with a strong irritating smell Boiling point 1 3°C Vapour density 2.1... 

Bleaching powder destroys tabun, but it gives rise to cyanogen chloride, CNC1, which is also toxic. 

Cyanogen chloride is highly toxic by aU routes of exposure. It is a severe irritant to eyes, causing tears. Exposure to its vapors causes irritation of the respiratory tract and pulmonary congestion. 

Caution/ Cyanogen chloride is extremely toxic. Sulfur trioxide and chlorosulfonyl isocyanate are highly corrosive materials. This... 

Thiocyanate is a monovalent polyanion that has the formula SCN-. This anion is rarely found in wastewaters. However, cyanide-containing wastes or waters on contact with sulfides can form thiocyanates. On chlorination, thiocyanate could react with chlorine to form highly toxic cyanogen chloride, CNC1. Thiocyanate in water may be analyzed using 1. colorimetric method and 2. spot test. The latter method is a rapid spot test that can give semiquantitative results. Preserve samples at pH below 2 and refrigerate. 

Chlorosulphonic acid has little toxicity and has been chiefly employed in warfare as a smoke producer. Sulphuryl chloride was used particularly in admixture with other war gases (cyanogen chloride, chloropicrin, etc.). 

Cyanogen chloride (10) Cyaitojceu chloride (CNCS) French 4B Systemic toxic Casually agent 10 min. in open 20 min. in woods 20 min. in open 2 hr. in woods... 

Decomposition by excess chlorination can be accomplished in about 1 h if the pH is adjusted to 8.0-8.5. Acid hydrolysis usually takes place at pH 2-3. Because care must be taken to avoid the liberation of the toxic cyanogen chloride as a gas, hydrolysis in not usually the chosen option. 

Exposure to cyanogen chloride can occur via inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, and with skin or eye contact. Cyanogen chloride is particularly hazardous when inhaled due to the strong potential for absorption in toxic amounts through bronchial mucosa and alveoli. 

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