Sodium thiocyanate
| Chemical formula | NaSCN |
| Density | 1.74 g/cm3 |
| Molar mass | 81.07 g/mol |
| HS Code | 28380000 |
| CAS number | 540-72-7 |
| Storage | without limitations |
| EC number | 208-754-4 |
| SDS | available |
| RTECS | XL2275000 |
| R phrase | R 20/21/22-32-52/53 |
| S phrase | S 13-61 |
| Odour | odourless |
| Form | solid |
| Color | white |
| p H value | 6- 8 (100 g/l 20°c) |
| Solubility in water | 1250 g/l (20°c) |
| Melting point | 310 °C |
| Vapour pressure | <1hPa |
| Thermal | > 368 C |
| Assay | ≥ | 98/5 | % |
| Description | Conforms | ||
| Identification | Conforms | ||
| Solubility | Conforms | ||
| p H | 7.5 to 8.5 | ||
| Chloride | ≤ | 0/1 | % |
| Sulphate | ≤ | 0/025 | % |
| Heavy metals | ≤ | 0/002 | % |
| Arsenic | ≤ | 0/0005 | % |
| Loss on drying | ≤ | 5 | % |
Sodium thiocyanate is a white to slightly yellow crystalline inorganic compound that is highly soluble in water and commonly used in laboratory and pharmaceutical applications as a source of thiocyanate ions.
🏭⚗️ Production
It is typically produced by the reaction of ammonium thiocyanate with sodium hydroxide or by neutralization of thiocyanic acid with sodium carbonate. The resulting salt is purified through crystallization.
🔬 Properties
The chemical formula is NaSCN with a molar mass of approximately 97.10 g/mol. It appears as white crystalline powder, soluble in water and slightly soluble in alcohol. Sodium thiocyanate is stable under normal conditions but can decompose when heated, releasing toxic gases such as nitrogen oxides and sulfur compounds.
🧪 Applications
In laboratories, sodium thiocyanate is used as a reagent in analytical chemistry, particularly in the detection and quantification of iron(III) ions through formation of a red complex. It is also used in organic synthesis and as a stabilizer in photographic processes. In pharmaceutical research, it has applications in biochemical assays and studies involving thiocyanate metabolism.
⚠️ Safety
Sodium thiocyanate should be handled with care, as it can be harmful if ingested or inhaled in large amounts. It may cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, and masks should be used when handling the compound. It should be stored in a cool, dry place away from strong acids and oxidizers.
