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Sodium Cyanide (NaCN)

CAS 143-33-9 · Formula CNNa · MW 49.007 g/mol

The principal lixiviant for precious-metal recovery and a workhorse metal-finishing and synthesis reagent. Used to extract gold and silver from ores, in electroplating and metal heat-treating, and as a chemical intermediate for dyes, chelating agents, and nylon precursors.

Safety Data Sheet
UN Number
UN 1689
Hazard Class
Class 6.1
HS Code
2837.11
At a Glance
Material Family
Mineral Fillers & Pigments
Record Type
Pure compound
Primary Role
Chelation / Sequestration · Synthesis Intermediate
Applications & Use Cases
  • Gold and silver recovery: Lixiviant in ore cyanidation and leaching
  • Electroplating: Metal plating and stripping baths
  • Heat treating: Case-hardening of steel
  • Chemical intermediate: Manufacture of dyes, chelating compounds, and nylon precursors
Physical Properties
Melting Point
564 °C
Boiling Point
1496 °C at 760 mmHg
Density
1.6 at 25 °C
Solubility
≥ 100 mg/mL at 20 °C
Vapor Pressure
1 mmHg at 817 °C
Flash Point
Not combustible
pH
Aq soln strongly alkaline
Safety & Handling
Full SDS available on request

A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.

DOT / UN Transport Classification
DOT hazard class 6.1 placard
UN / DOT NumberUN 1689
Hazard Class / DivisionClass 6.1
Packing GroupI
Proper Shipping NameSodium cyanide, solid

Transport classification per the UN Model Regulations / 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table. Confirm against the grade-specific SDS (Section 14) before shipping.

HS / Tariff Classification
Harmonized System (HS) Code — 6-digit international heading
2837 . 11
Chapter 28
Inorganic chemicals; compounds of precious metals and rare-earth metals
Heading 28.37
Internationally harmonized (WCO HS)
Subheading 2837.11
6-digit international code — national tariff line adds further digits
Chemical Identity
CAS Number
143-33-9
Molecular Formula
CNNa
Molecular Weight
49.007 g/mol
IUPAC Name
sodium cyanide
PubChem CID
InChI Key
MNWBNISUBARLIT-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Synonyms & Trade Names
SODIUM CYANIDE Cymag Cyanogran Cyanide of sodium NaCN Sodium cyanide (Na(CN)) Cyanasalt H Cyanasalt S Cyanobrik Kyanid sodny Cianuro di sodio Cyanure de sodium Hydrocyanic acid, sodium salt M-44 cyanide capsules RCRA waste number P106
Full Description

Sodium cyanide (CAS 143-33-9, NaCN), a highly reactive inorganic salt. Used to extract gold and silver from ores, in electroplating and metal heat-treating, and as a chemical intermediate for dyes, chelating agents, and nylon precursors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is sodium cyanide used for?

Sodium cyanide (CAS 143-33-9, NaCN) is a highly reactive inorganic salt used as a lixiviant to extract gold and silver from ores, in electroplating and metal heat-treating (case-hardening of steel), and as a chemical intermediate for dyes, chelating agents, and nylon precursors.

What is the chemical formula of sodium cyanide?

Sodium cyanide has the formula NaCN (CAS 143-33-9). It is the sodium salt of hydrocyanic acid.

What HS code is sodium cyanide?

Sodium cyanide is classified under HS 2837.11 (cyanides and cyanide oxides of sodium). Confirm the destination-country tariff line and applicable import controls with your order.

How is sodium cyanide classified for shipping?

Sodium cyanide ships as UN 1689 (SODIUM CYANIDE). DOT/IMDG documentation, proper packaging, and the SDS must accompany every shipment; review the SDS for full handling and transport requirements before ordering.

How is bulk sodium cyanide supplied and quoted?

It is supplied to mining, plating, and chemical-manufacturing operations in controlled industrial packaging. Pricing depends on grade, packaging, and volume — request a bulk quote and the SDS; identity and purity are documented on the CoA.

Disclaimer. Information on this page — including properties, identifiers, hazard, transport (DOT/UN) and tariff (HS) classifications, and applications — is provided for general reference and is compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem/ECHA, 49 CFR 172.101, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot purchased governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim or advice. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, storage, transport or disposal, and confirm regulatory status, classification and suitability for your application and jurisdiction. Hazard, transport and tariff classifications must be verified for your specific shipment. RawSource makes no warranty, express or implied, and assumes no liability for use of this information. Trademarks. Third-party trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective owners; any reference is nominative — used only to identify a comparable product — and does not imply affiliation with, sponsorship by, or endorsement by the trademark owner.