Sodium nitrate cyanide poisoning

Acute poisoning only occurs when the detoxification mechanism is overwhelmed. This reaction is enhanced by giving sodium thiosulfate and sodium nitrate intravenously as 20% solutions in a 3 1 ratio, which is a recommended antidote for acute cyanide poisoning. It is the thiocyanate metabolite that causes chronic disease when cyanide forage is ingested over an extended period. 

On a spot plate, mix a drop of the test solution, one drop lead nitrate, 1 drop potassium cyanide (POISON), and 2 drops freshly prepared sodium tetra-hydroxostannate(II) reagent. A brown to black colouration (precipitate) is characteristic for bismuth. 

Sodium cyanide (NaCN) is poisonous (like all cyanides) and is used in the steel industry. Sodium nitrate (NaN03) is found in deposits of Chilean saltpeter and is used in fertilizers and explosives. Sodium sulfate can be an anhydrous substance (as Na2S04) or a hydrate (as in Na2S04 x 10H2O). In the latter case it is known as Glauber s salt. 

Amyl nitrate is an effective antidote against cyanide poisoning. The treatment involves artificial respiration, followed by inhalation of amyl nitrite. In severe poisoning, intra-venons administration of sodium nitrite, followed by sodinm thiosnlfate is given. The dose is 0.3 g of NaN02 (10 mL of a 3% solution at a rate of 2-5 mL/min) and 25 g of Na2S203 (50 mL of a 25% solution at a rate of 2-5 mL/min) (Hardy and Boylen 1983). 

Many antidotes have been developed to combat cyanide poisoning. Some of these are simple salts such as sodium thiosulfate and sodium nitrate, which demonstrated partial effect. Friedberg and Shukla (1975) reported the efficiency of aquacobalamin acetate [49552-79-6] as an antidote when given alone or combined with sodium thiosulfate. Aquacobalamin 100 and 200 mg/kg and thiosulfate 500 mg/kg injected separately with a 1-minute interval detoxified cyanide in guinea pigs and cats, respectively. 

Silver nitrate solution white, curdy precipitate of silver chloride, AgCl, insoluble in water and in dilute nitric acid, but soluble in dilute ammonia solution, in potassium cyanide (POISON) and in sodium thiosulphate solutions (see under silver. Section 3.6, reaction 1) ... 

Sodium nitrate, also known as Chile saltpeter and soda niter, has a molecular formula of NaNOj Sodium nitrate is a colorless, odorless, transparent crystal. It oxidizes when exposed to air and is soluble in water. This material explodes at lOOOT, much lower than temperatures encountered in many fires. Sodium nitrate is toxic by ingestion, and has caused cancer in test animals. When used in the curing of fish and meat products, it is restricted to 100 ppm. Sodium nitrate is incompatible with ammonium nitrate and other ammonium salts. The four-digit UN identification number is 1498. Sodium nitrate is used as an antidote for cyanide poisoning and in the curing of fish and meat. 

Poison Treatment As discussed previously, methemoglobin binds well and competes with cytochrome oxidase for cyanide ions. Consequently, the antidote developed for cyanide poisoning involves increasing the formation of methemoglobin in the blood, by inhalation of amyl nitrate vapor (Chen 1952). Antidote kits contain amyl nitrate ampoules. To administer the antidote, the ampoule is broken in a cloth such as a handkerchief and held close to the victim s nose while artificial respiration is being conducted. Resuscitation by mouth is not recommended a mechanical resuscitator should be used instead. If the victim does not respond to the amyl nitrate treatment, a medical professional would then increase the methemoglobin production by intravenous injection of sodium nitrate followed by administration of thiosulfate to increase the activity of the rhodanese enzyme. 

Materials Required Pure lead nitrate 0.0079 g ammonia-cyanide-sulphite mixture (dilute 35 ml of cone, ammonia solution having sp. gr. 0.88 and 3 ml of 10% w/v solution potassium cyanide (Caution deadly poisonous, use protective gloves while handling) to 100 ml, and then dissolving 0.15 g of sodium sulphite in this solution) 75 ml dithizone (pure) solution (0.005% w/v in chloroform) 7.5 ml chloroform 17.5 ml ... 

There are as many salts as there are acids and bases. Sodium cyanide, NaCN, is a deadly poison. Saltpeter, which is potassium nitrate, KN03, is useful as a fertilizer and in the formulation of gunpowder. Calcium chloride, CaCl2, is used ro deice roads, and sodium fluoride, NaF in toothpaste, prevents tooth decay. The acid-base reactions forming these salts are shown in Table 10.1. 

MERCURY CYANIDE or MERCURY(II) CYANIDE (592-04-1) Hg(CN)2 Slowly decomposes in light. A moderate impact- and heat-sensitive explosive. Violent reaction with metal chlorates, fluorine, hydrogen cyanide, magnesium, nitrates, nitrites, metal perchlorates, sodium nitrite. Contact with strong acids evolves flammable and poisonous hydrogen cyanide gas, which can be detonated by this material. Thermal decomposition releases toxic nitrogen oxides, mercury, and hydrogen cyanide. On... 

ZINC CYANIDE (557-21-1) Zn(CN)j Noncombustible solid. May tend to be an unstable explosive. Reacts with acids, acid fumes, acid salts, or elevated temperatures releases flammable and poisonous hydrogen cyanide gas. Can react violently with magnesium (incandescence), chlorates, nitrates, perchlorates. Incompatible with nitrites, chlorates. Mixtures of metal cyanides with metal chlorates, nitrates, nitrites, or perchlorates may cause violent explosions. Incompatible with strong oxidizers, bromine, chlorine, fluorine, mercurous chloride, nitric acid. Violent reaction with sodium nitrite. Forms sensitive explosive mixtures with potassium chlorate. ZINC DIACETATE (557-34-6 5970-45-6, dihydrate) Zn(C2H302)2 Noncombustible... 

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