Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) - Potassium Selenocyanate

Identification

Product Name: Potassium selenocyanate
Chemical Formula: KSeCN
Synonyms: Selenocyanic acid potassium salt
CAS Number: 3425-46-5
Recommended Use: Laboratory chemical, synthesis intermediate
Supplier Details: Manufacturer or distributor contact details including phone number and address

Hazard Identification

Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, dermal, inhalation), Serious eye irritation, Skin irritation, Hazardous to aquatic life
Pictograms: Skull and crossbones, Exclamation mark, Environment
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Toxic if swallowed, Toxic in contact with skin, Causes skin and eye irritation, Harmful if inhaled, Very toxic to aquatic life
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust or fume. Do not eat, drink or smoke during use. Wear protective gloves, eye/face protection, and protective clothing. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Keep container tightly closed.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Potassium selenocyanate
Concentration: 100%
CAS Number: 3425-46-5
EINECS Number: 222-328-2
Impurities: No significant impurities affecting classification

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove victim to fresh air; keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing. Seek immediate medical attention if signs of poisoning occur.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash skin with soap and plenty of water. Seek medical attention for persistent irritation.
Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water for several minutes, lifting eyelids occasionally. Seek immediate medical help.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting. Never give anything by mouth if person is unconscious. Seek immediate medical attention.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, CO2, or foam. Do not use water streams directly on the material.
Hazards from Combustion: Produces toxic fumes including selenium oxides, cyanide, and potassium compounds.
Protective Equipment: Firefighters need self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear.
Special Procedures: Remove containers from fire area if safe. Cool with water spray to prevent pressure build-up.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate area, ensure adequate ventilation, avoid dust formation. Wear appropriate protective equipment including respiratory protection.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, sewers, or watercourses. Notify authorities in case of environmental contamination.
Clean-Up Methods: Collect and place in properly labeled containers for disposal. Use non-sparking tools to sweep up and minimize dust. Ventilate area after cleanup.

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Handle in well-ventilated locations. Avoid generation of dust or fume. Do not breathe dust, do not ingest.
Storage Requirements: Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances such as strong acids, oxidizers, and reducing agents.
Incompatible Materials: Acids, oxidizing agents, and moisture.
Special Considerations: Label containers clearly and keep away from food and drink.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: ACGIH TLV (Selenium compounds): 0.2 mg/m³ (as Se), OSHA PEL: 0.2 mg/m³ (as Se)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, process enclosures, or other controls to keep airborne levels below limits.
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or PVC), long-sleeved protective clothing, safety goggles or face shield, and dust respirator approved for toxic dusts.
General Hygiene: Wash hands before breaks, at end of work, and immediately after handling. Remove and wash contaminated clothing before reuse.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White or off-white crystalline powder
Odor: Mild, characteristic
Molecular Weight: 146.08 g/mol
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes)
Melting Point: 320°C (decomposition)
Solubility: Soluble in water, sparingly soluble in alcohol
Density: 2.34 g/cm³
pH (aqueous solution): Neutral to slightly basic
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Flash Point: Not flammable
Partition coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not available

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Conditions to Avoid: Moisture, extreme temperatures, incompatible materials.
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, oxidizing agents.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Selenium oxides, potassium oxide, hydrogen cyanide under unsafe conditions.
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Hazardous polymerization does not occur.

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Highly toxic if swallowed, inhaled, or in contact with skin. LD50 (oral, rat): 4.1 mg/kg (as Se).
Chronic Effects: Risk of selenosis (selenium poisoning) with long-term exposure, involving hair loss, nail changes, fatigue, and nervous system effects.
Symptoms of Exposure: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dizziness, headache, weakness, cyanosis.
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, or OSHA.
Mutagenicity/Teratogenicity: Data limited, avoid exposure especially in pregnancy.
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact.
Target Organs: Liver, kidneys, central nervous system.

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Very toxic to aquatic organisms, causes long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment.
Persistence and Degradability: Selenium compounds may persist; does not degrade readily.
Bioaccumulation Potential: Potential for bioaccumulation in aquatic and terrestrial organisms.
Mobility in Soil: Leaching in wet soils possible, monitor groundwater contamination near disposal sites.
Other Information: Report spills and environmental releases as required to local authorities.

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal: Consider this material hazardous waste. Dispose in accordance with local, regional, national, and international regulations.
Contaminated Packaging: Triple rinse, then offer for recycling or reconditioning or dispose of as hazardous waste.
Special Precautions: Do not dispose of into environment or sewer system. Seek licensed hazardous waste disposal service.

Transport Information

UN Number: 3283
Proper Shipping Name: Toxic solid, inorganic, n.o.s. (contains Potassium selenocyanate)
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 – Toxic substances
Packing Group: II
Labels: Toxic label
Environmental Hazards: Marine pollutant
Special Precautions for Transport: Handle with care, keep containers tightly sealed; transport only in secure, labeled packaging.

Regulatory Information

US TSCA: Listed
EU EINECS: 222-328-2
REACH Registration: Data required for quantities above threshold
SARA 313: Subject to reporting (Selenium compounds)
California Proposition 65: Not listed
Label Elements (GHS): Signal word Danger, hazardous pictograms and statements on supplied packaging
Other Regulations: Follow workplace safety, health, and environmental regulations for handling hazardous chemicals. Training required for all personnel handling this material.