| Chemical Properties | White, crystalline powder.Moderately soluble in water. |
| Uses | Medicine (topical antiseptic). |
| General Description | A white crystalline solid. Can explode on prolonged exposure to fire, heat or percussion. For the purpose of desensitization 33% MERCURIC OXYCYANIDE is mixed with 67% mercuric cyanide. Toxic by inhalation and by ingestion. Used in medicine. |
| Air & Water Reactions | Moderately soluble in water |
| Reactivity Profile | MERCURIC OXYCYANIDE detonates on heating [Hawley]. Several instances have been reported where explosions occurred in handling this substance. Friction is a frequent cause of the explosion [Chem. Abst. 16:2010. 1972]. Decomposes on contact with acid to give off hydrogen cyanide, a flammable poisonous gas. Desensitized by mixing 67% mercuric cyanide to create commercial product. |
| Hazard | Detonates on heating, dangerous explosion
risk. Highly toxic. |
| Health Hazard | Highly toxic, may be fatal if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through skin. Avoid any skin contact. Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution. |
| Fire Hazard | Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may pollute waterways. |
| Safety Profile | Poison by intravenous
route. An explosive sensitive to friction,
impact, or heat. The commercial product is
stabhzed by excess mercury(II) cyanide.
When heated to decomposition it emits very
toxic fumes of Hg, CN-, and NOx. See also
MERCURY COMPOUNDS and
CYANIDE. |
