Quecksilberdithiocyanat

4 Approximately (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink

about 4.0

3.71 @25 °C

White to tan powder

When crystalline, usually in radially arranged needles

Slightly sol in water: 0.069 g/100 ml @ 25 °C; sol in soln of alkali cyanides, chlorides; sol in boiling water with decomp

SOL IN HOT WATER, AMMONIUM SALTS, POTASSIUM CYANIDE, HYDROCHLORIC ACID, AMMONIA; SLIGHTLY SOL IN ALCOHOL, ETHER

greater than 250 °F (USCG, 1999)

Flash point > 250 °F

Mercury thiocyanate appears as an odorless white crystalline powder. Insoluble in water and denser than water. Hence sinks in water. Very toxic by inhalation and ingestion.

White solid; [Merck Index] Thermally unstable; [Ullmann]

When heated it swells up to many times its original vol, decomposing finally into mercury, nitrogen, etc, @ about 165 °C

Soluble ionized mercuric salts give a yellow precipitate of HgO with NaOH and a red precipitate of HgI2 with alkali iodide.

Thermally unstable. Decomposition begins at 110 °C and becomes spontaneous at 165 °C.

Danger

H300 (100%): Fatal if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]

P260, P262, P264, P270, P271, P273, P280, P284, P301+P316, P302+P352, P304+P340, P316, P319, P320, P321, P330, P361+P364, P391, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 76 reports by companies from 9 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Danger

H300: Fatal if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]

Chemical: Thiocyanic acid, mercury(2+) salt

Mercury (II) thiocyanate: HSNO Approval: HSR004552 Approved with controls

The New Jersey Worker and Community Right to Know Act requires public and private employers to provide information about hazardous substances at their workplaces. (N.J.S.A. 34:5A-1 et. seq.)

Special Hazards of Combustion Products: When heated, decomposes into mercury, nitrogen, etc., at about 165 °C.

· Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes.

INHALATION: Acute poisoning symptoms are: Tightness in the chest, difficulty in breathing, coughing, and pain in the chest. EYES: Ulceration of conjunctiva and cornea. SKIN: Irritation, sensitization dermatitis. INGESTION: Necrosis, pain, vomiting, severe purging. Patient may die within a few hours from peripheral vascular collapse. (USCG, 1999)

· Highly toxic, may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin.

D009; A solid waste containing mercury may or may not become characterized as a hazardous waste when subjected to the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure listed in 40 CFR 261.24, and if so characterized, must be managed as a hazardous waste. /Mercury/

MERCURY THIOCYANATE decomposes into its elements at about 165 °C. Burns readily in air to generate a coil of cohesive ash resembling a serpent (hence used in a firework: Pharaoh's serpents). Swells up to many times its original volume if heated (USCG, 1999). Soluble in dilute hydrochloric acid [Merck]. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.

Listed as a hazardous air pollutant (HAP) generally known or suspected to cause serious health problems. The Clean Air Act, as amended in 1990, directs EPA to set standards requiring major sources to sharply reduce routine emissions of toxic pollutants. EPA is required to establish and phase in specific performance based standards for all air emission sources that emit one or more of the listed pollutants. Mercuric thiocyanate is included on this list.

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.

· Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing.

Get medical attention.

General First Aid:

· Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

0.02 [mg/m3], as Hg, inhalable fraction[German Research Foundation (DFG)]

If material involved in fire: Extinguish fire using agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. (Material itself does not burn or burns with difficulty). Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Use "alcohol" foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.

Environmental considerations: Water spill: Add dilute caustic soda. If dissolved, apply sodium sulfide solution to precipitate heavy metals. If dissolved, in region of 10 ppm or greater concentration, apply activated carbon at ten times the spilled amount. Allow to aerate. Use mechanical dredges or lifts to remove immobilized masses of pollutants and precipitates.

Environmental considerations: Land spill: Dig a pit, pond, lagoon, or holding area to contain liquid or solid material. /SRP: If time permits, pits, ponds, lagoons, soak holes, or holding areas should be sealed with an impermeable flexible membrane liner./ Cover solids with a plastic sheet to prevent dissolving in rain or fire fighting water.

Mercury spills should be cleaned up immediately by use of a special vacuum cleaner. Then the area should be washed with a dilute calcium sulfide solution. Small quantities of mercury can be picked up by mixing with copper metal granules. ... /Mercury/

Mercury removal from waste water can be accomplished by these processes: BMS process; Chlorine is added to the waste water, oxidizing any mercury present to the ionic state. The BMS adsorbent (an activated carbon concentrate of sulfur cmpd on its surface) is used to collect ionic mercury. The spent adsorbent is then distilled to recover the mercury, leaving a carbon residue for reuse or disposal. TMR IMAC Process; Waste water is fed into a reactor, whereby a slight excess of chlorine is maintained, oxidizing any mercury present to ionic mercury. The liquid is then passed through the TMR IMAC ion-exchange resin where mercury ions are adsorbed. The mercury is then stripped from the spent resin with hydrochloric acid solution. /Mercury cmpds/

For more Cleanup Methods (Complete) data for MERCURIC THIOCYANATE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Preventive measures: Adequate ventilation; Use of disposable uniforms, so that a contaminated uniform is not a source of absorption through the skin; use of disposable mercury-vapor-absorbing masks; Careful attention to good housekeeping, eg, avoidance of spills, and prompt and proper cleaning if a spill occurs; All containers of mercury and its compounds should be kept tightly closed; Floors should be washed on a regular basis with dilute calcium sulfide solution or other suitable reactant; Floors should be nonporous; All workers directly involved in the plant operation should shower thoroughly each day before leaving.

Personnel protection: Avoid breathing dusts, and fumes from burning material. Keep upwind. Avoid bodily contact with the material. ... Do not handle broken packages unless wearing appropriate protective equipment. Wash away any material which may have contacted the body with copious amounts of water or soap and water. ... If contact with the material anticipated, wear appropriate chemical protective clothing.

If material not involved in fire: Keep material out of water sources and sewers.

Preventative measure: adequate ventilation; careful attention to good housekeeping, e.g., avoidance of spills, and prompt and proper cleaning if a spill occurs; all containers of mercury and its compounds should be kept tightly closed; should be washed on a regular basis with dilute calcium sulfide solution or other suitable reactant; floors should be nonporous; all workers directly involved in the plant operation should shower thoroughly each day before leaving. /Mercury compounds/

Excerpt from ERG Guide 151 [Substances - Toxic (Non-Combustible)]:

Immediate precautionary measure

Mercury poisoning is treated by immediate decontamination and chelation therapy using DMSA, DMPS, DPCN, or dimercaprol. Antidotes to cyanide poisoning include hydroxocobalamin and sodium nitrite, which release the cyanide from the cytochrome system, and rhodanase, which is an enzyme occurring naturally in mammals that combines serum cyanide with thiosulfate, producing comparatively harmless thiocyanate. Oxygen therapy can also be administered. (A7, L97)

Mercury mainly affects the nervous system. Exposure to high levels of metallic, inorganic, or organic mercury can permanently damage the brain, kidneys, and developing fetus. Effects on brain functioning may result in irritability, shyness, tremors, changes in vision or hearing, and memory problems. Acrodynia, a type of mercury poisoning in children, is characterized by pain and pink discoloration of the hands and feet. Mercury poisoning can also cause Hunter-Russell syndrome and Minamata disease. Exposure to high levels of cyanide for a short time harms the brain and heart and can even cause coma, seizures, apnea, cardiac arrest and death. Chronic inhalation of cyanide causes breathing difficulties, chest pain, vomiting, blood changes, headaches, and enlargement of the thyroid gland. Skin contact with cyanide salts can irritate and produce sores. (L7, L96, L97)

LC50 Pimephales promelas (fathead minnow) 0.39 mg/l/24 and 48 hr

LC50 Pimephales promelas (fathead minnow) 0.15 mg/l/96 hr

High-affinity binding of the divalent mercuric ion to thiol or sulfhydryl groups of proteins is believed to be the major mechanism for the activity of mercury. Through alterations in intracellular thiol status, mercury can promote oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and changes in heme metabolism. Mercury is known to bind to microsomal and mitochondrial enzymes, resulting in cell injury and death. For example, mercury is known to inhibit aquaporins, halting water flow across the cell membrane. It also inhibits the protein LCK, which causes decreased T-cell signalling and immune system depression. Mercury is also believed to inhibit neuronal excitability by acting on the postsynaptic neuronal membrane. It also affects the nervous system by inhibiting protein kinase C and alkaline phosphatase, which impairs brain microvascular formation and function, as well as alters the blood-brain barrier. Mercury also produces an autoimmune response, likely by modification of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules, self peptides, T-cell receptors, or cell-surface adhesion molecules. Cyanide is an inhibitor of cytochrome c oxidase in the fourth complex of the electron transport chain (found in the membrane of the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells). It complexes with the ferric iron atom in this enzyme. The binding of cyanide to this cytochrome prevents transport of electrons from cytochrome c oxidase to oxygen. As a result, the electron transport chain is disrupted and the cell can no longer aerobically produce ATP for energy. Tissues that mainly depend on aerobic respiration, such as the central nervous system and the heart, are particularly affected. Cyanide is also known produce some of its toxic effects by binding to catalase, glutathione peroxidase, methemoglobin, hydroxocobalamin, phosphatase, tyrosinase, ascorbic acid oxidase, xanthine oxidase, succinic dehydrogenase, and Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase. Cyanide binds to the ferric ion of methemoglobin to form inactive cyanmethemoglobin. (L7, A8, A25, A26, L97)

Common symptoms include peripheral neuropathy (presenting as paresthesia or itching, burning or pain), skin discoloration (pink cheeks, fingertips and toes), edema (swelling), and desquamation (dead skin peels off in layers). Cyanide poisoning is identified by rapid, deep breathing and shortness of breath, general weakness, giddiness, headaches, vertigo, confusion, convulsions/seizures and eventually loss of consciousness. (A5, L96, L97)

Basic Treatment: Establish a patent airway. Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if necessary. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for pulmonary edema and neat if necessary ... . Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with available water. Irrigate each eye continuously with normal saline during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 ml/kg up to 200 ml of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool. Administer activated charcoal ... . /Mercury and related compounds/

Advanced Treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient with severe pulmonary edema or respiratory arrest. Positive pressure ventilation techniques with a bag valve mask device may be beneficial. Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias if necessary ... . Start an IV with D5W Use lactated Ringer's if signs of hypovolemia are present. Watch for signs of fluid overload. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Consider vasopressors if hypotensive with a normal fluid volume. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Treat seizures with diazepam (Valium) ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Mercury and related compounds/

Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway. Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if necessary. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if necessary ... . Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . Monitor for seizures and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with normal saline during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 ml/kg up to 200 ml of water for dilution if the patent can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool. Administer activated charcoal ... . /Isocyanates, aliphatic thiocyanates, and related compounds/

Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious or has severe pulmonary edema. Positive pressure ventilation techniques with a bag valve mask device may be beneficial. Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias if necessary ... . Start an IV with D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use lactated Ringer's if signs of hypovolemia are present. Watch for signs of fluid overload. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . Consider vasopressors if patient is hypotensive with a normal fluid volume. If signs of hypovolemia are present, administer fluid cautiously. Watch for signs of pulmonary edema ... . Treat seizures with diazepam (Valium) ... . Treat exposure to Lethane 60 Lethane 384, Thanite, methyl, ethyl, or isopropyl thiocyanates; with the cyanide antidote kit (DIRECT PHYSICIAN ORDER ONLY, refer to cyanide guideline and cyanide protocol in Section Four). Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Isocyanates, aliphatic thiocyanates, and related compounds/

D009; A solid waste containing mercury may or may not become characterized as a hazardous waste when subjected to the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure listed in 40 CFR 261.24, and if so characterized, must be managed as a hazardous waste. /Mercury/

Listed as a hazardous air pollutant (HAP) generally known or suspected to cause serious health problems. The Clean Air Act, as amended in 1990, directs EPA to set standards requiring major sources to sharply reduce routine emissions of toxic pollutants. EPA is required to establish and phase in specific performance based standards for all air emission sources that emit one or more of the listed pollutants. Mercuric thiocyanate is included on this list.

Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 10 lb or 4.54 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802; In the Washington D.C. metropolitan area (202) 426-2675. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV. D.3.b).

Mercuric thiocyanate is designated as a hazardous substance under section 311(b)(2)(A) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and further regulated by the Clean Water Act Amendments of 1977 and 1978. These regulations apply to discharges of this substance. This designation includes any isomers and hydrates, as well as any solutions and mixtures containing this substance.

Mercury is absorbed mainly via ingestion and inhalation, then distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream, where a portion binds to sulfhydryl groups on haemoglobin. Mercury can undergo oxidation to mercuric mercury, which takes place via the catalase-hydrogen peroxide pathway. The mercury atom is able to diffuse down the cleft in the catalase enzyme to reach the active site where the heme ring is located. Oxidation most likely occurs in all tissue, as the catalase hydrogen peroxide pathway is ubiquitous. Following oxidation, mercury tends to accumulate in the kidneys. Mercury is excreted mainly by exhalation and in the faeces. Cyanide is rapidly alsorbed through oral, inhalation, and dermal routes and distributed throughout the body. Cyanide is mainly metabolized into thiocyanate by either rhodanese or 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfur transferase. Cyanide metabolites are excreted in the urine. (A6, L7, L96)

Used to make fireworks and in photography (intensifier); [Merck Index] Used as a reagent for chloride analysis of water; [HSDB]

Photographic Processing [Category: Other]

In mfr of pharaoh's serpents (fireworks); intensifier in photography

Used as a reagent for chloride analysis of water

Pyrotechnics

Mercury(II) thiocyanate has previously been used in pyrotechnics. (L445)

/Mercuric thiocyanate/ is produced by precipitation from mercury(II) nitrate solution with a stochiometric amount of potassium thiocyanate solution.

By precipitation of mercuric nitrate with ammonium sulfocyanate and subsequent soln in large amt of hot water and crystallizing.