MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

I.   PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

Manufacturer/Supplier:

ESPI Metals

1050 Benson Way, Ashland, OR 97520

Toll Free (800) 638-2581 * Fax (541) 488-8313

E-Mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Product Name:     Potassium Dicyanoaurate I

Formula:              KAu(CN)₂

EU Number:          006-007-00-5

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Components:  Potassium Dicyanoaurate I

Percent (%):                    0-100

OSHA/PEL:                       5 (CN)mg/m³ (skin)

ACGIH/TLV:                      1.0 mg/m³

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                   Decomposes

Melting Point:                  Decomposes

Specific Gravity:             3.45 g/cm³

Solubility in H₂O:            Very soluble in H₂O.

Appearance and Odor:   White crystal powder, odor of almonds.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  N/E

Explosive Limits:  Lower:  N/E          Upper:  N/E

Extinguishing Media:  CO₂, foam, dry powder or water spray.  Fight larger fires with water spray.

Special Firefighting Procedures:  Firefighters must wear full face, self contained breathing apparatus with full protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes.  Fumes from fire are hazardous.  Isolate runoff to prevent environmental pollution.

Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards:  May emit toxic fumes of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) upon thermal decomposition.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

To the best of our knowledge the acute and chronic toxicity of this substance is not fully known.

Gold compounds may cause irritation to the eyes and respiratory tract.  Aplastic anemia may result form damage to the blood forming organs.  Gold has caused tumors and reproductive effects in laboratory animals via implant, intraperitoneal and subcutaneous routes.

Cyanides cause symptoms of salivation, nausea without vomiting, anxiety, confusion, vertigo, giddiness, lower jaw stiffness, convulsions, opisthotonos, paralysis, coma, cardiac arrhythmias and respiratory failure.  They typically cause death through asphyxia.  Skin contact may cause itching, macular, papular and vesicular eruptions.

Carcinogenicity:  EPA:  No     IARC:  No     NTP:  No     OSHA:  No     ACGIH:  No

The registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS) contains tumorigenic and/or carcinogenic and/or neoplastic data for components in this product.

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

NOTE:  Immediately remove any clothing soiled by the product.  Remove breathing apparatus only after contaminated clothing has been completely removed.  In case of irregular breathing or respiratory arrest provide artificial respiration.

INHALATION:  Remove victim to fresh air, provide artificial respiration if needed, keep patient warm and seek immediate medical attention.

INGESTION:  Do not induce vomiting.  Seek immediate medical attention.

SKIN:  Remove contaminated clothing, immediately wash with soap and water and rinse thoroughly.  Seek immediate medical attention.

EYE:  Rinse opened eye for several minutes under running water.  Consult a physician.

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  Contact with acids releases toxic gases.  Reacts with oxidizing agents.  Reacts with organic substances.  Reacts with powdered metals.

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  Acids, oxidizing agents, organic materials, metal powders, ammonia.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Hydrogen cyanide (prussic acid), carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.

Hazardous Polymerization:  May occur

VII.   SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES

Steps to Be Taken in Case Material Is Released or Spilled:  Wear protective equipment, keep unprotected persons away  and ensure adequate ventilation.  Sweep up and contain in airtight plastic container.

Waste Disposal Method:  Dispose of in accordance with State, Federal and Local regulations.

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  NIOSH/MSHA Approved.

Ventilation:  Fume hood.

Protective Gloves:  Rubber for all contact.

Eye Protection:  Goggles

Other Protective Equipment:  Normal labwear.

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Storage and Handling:  Store in cool dry place.  Keep tightly sealed when not in use.  Open and handle container with care.  Do not store together with acids.  Store away from oxidizing agents.

Work Practices:  Keep away from all foodstuffs, beverages and feed.  Remove all soiled and contaminated clothing immediately.  Wash hands before breaks and at the end of work.  Store protective clothing separately.  Avoid contact with skin and eyes.

The above information is believed to be correct, but does not purport to be all inclusive and shall be used only as a guide.  ESPI shall not be held liable for any damage resulting from handling or from contact with the above product.

Issued by:             S. Dierks

Date:                    April 1999