Sodium cyanide is used as a starting material for the preparation of Reissert compounds and cyanogen bromide, cyanuric chloride and cyanogen chloride. It acts as a catalyst for the aminolysis of esters to primary amides. Furthermore, it is used for fumigation, electroplating, extracting gold and silver in mining industry. In organic synthesis, it is involved in the cyanation reaction of alkyl halides under phase transfer conditions.
This Thermo Scientific Chemicals brand product was originally part of the Alfa Aesar product portfolio. Some documentation and label information may refer to the legacy brand. The original Alfa Aesar product / item code or SKU reference has not changed as a part of the brand transition to Thermo Scientific Chemicals.
ApplicationsSodium cyanide is used as a starting material for the preparation of Reissert compounds and cyanogen bromide, cyanuric chloride and cyanogen chloride. It acts as a catalyst for the aminolysis of esters to primary amides. Furthermore, it is used for fumigation, electroplating, extracting gold and silver in mining industry. In organic synthesis, it is involved in the cyanation reaction of alkyl halides under phase transfer conditions.
SolubilitySoluble in water, ammonia, methanol and ethanol. Slightly soluble in dimethylformamide. Insoluble in dimethylsulphoxide.
NotesHygroscopic. Do not store near acids. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents and carbon dioxide.