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Silicates, borates and other salts

Potassium cyanide

Also known as Cyanide of potassium, kalium cyanid, Potassium cyanide (K(CN))

CAS 151-50-8Formula CKNMolar mass 65.12 g/molEC 205-792-3
GHS signal word: Danger. Pictograms: Corrosive, Acute toxicity (severe), Harmful or irritant, Serious health hazard Controlled, licensed buyers only Drug substance
Request as a licensed buyer Safety data
Potassium cyanide chemical structure, CKN, CAS 151-50-8
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
White, granular powder or fused pieces
Melting point
634 °C
Boiling point
1,625 °C
Density
1.52 g/cm³
Flash point
Not flammable
HS code
283719
Category
Silicates, borates and other salts
UN number
UN 1680

What is Potassium cyanide?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Potassium cyanide is a cyanide salt containing equal numbers of potassium cations and cyanide anions. It has a role as an EC 1.15.1.1 (superoxide dismutase) inhibitor, an EC 1.9.3.1 (cytochrome c oxidase) inhibitor and a neurotoxin. It is a potassium salt, a cyanide salt and a one-carbon compound.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
potassium cyanide
CAS number
151-50-8 CAS number cross-checked
EC number
205-792-3
Molecular formula
CKN
UNII
MQD255M2ZO
MDL number
MFCD00011397
InChIKey
NNFCIKHAZHQZJG-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/CN.K/c1-2;/q-1;+1
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
[C-]#N.[K+]

Synonyms

  • Cyanide of potassium
  • kalium cyanid
  • Potassium cyanide (K(CN))
  • RCRA waste number P098
  • Cyanure de potassium
  • Hydrocyanic acid, potassium salt
  • M-44 capsules (potassium cyanide)
  • Kali cyanatum
  • potassiumcarbonitrile
  • Cyanide, Potassium
  • potassium, cyanide
  • KCN
  • Potassium Cyanide, Feratox
  • Potassium cyanide K(CN)
  • RCRA waste no. P098
  • cyanopotassium
  • Kaliumcyanid
  • Kaliumzyanid
  • Zyankali
  • potassiumcyanide
  • potasium cyanide
  • Potassium cyanide, granular
  • Potassium Cyanide ACS grade
  • Potassium cyanide- 13c
  • Potassium cyanide, technical, >=96%
Show all 31 synonyms
  • Potassium cyanide, ACS reagent, >=96.0%
  • Potassium cyanide, BioUltra, >=98.0% (AT)
  • Potassium cyanide, SAJ first grade, >=95.0%
  • Potassium cyanide, JIS special grade, >=98.0%
  • Potassium cyanide, p.a., ACS reagent, 97.0%
  • Potassium cyanide, puriss. p.a., ACS reagent, reag. Ph. Eur., >=97.0%

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
White, granular powder or fused piecesexp.
Odour
Faint odor of bitter almondsexp.
Melting point
634 °Cexp.
Boiling point
1,625 °Cexp.
Density
1.52 g/cm³exp.
Flash point
Not flammableexp.
Autoignition temperature
Not flammableexp.
Solubility
Sol in 2 parts cold, 1 part boiling waterexp.
Vapour pressure
0 mmHg (approx)exp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
65.12 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
64.9668 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
-2.9calc.
Topological polar surface area
23.79 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
0calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
1calc.
Rotatable bonds
0calc.
Heavy atoms
3calc.
Rings
0calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Components
2calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Danger
GHS05: Corrosive
Corrosive
GHS06: Acute toxicity (severe)
Acute toxicity (severe)
GHS07: Harmful or irritant
Harmful or irritant
GHS08: Serious health hazard
Serious health hazard
GHS09: Hazardous to the environment
Hazardous to the environment

Hazard statements

  • H290May be corrosive to metals.
  • H300 + H310 + H330Fatal if swallowed. Fatal in contact with skin. Fatal if inhaled.
  • H300Fatal if swallowed.
  • H310Fatal in contact with skin.
  • H315Causes skin irritation.
  • H318Causes serious eye damage.
  • H330Fatal if inhaled.
  • H370Causes damage to organs.
  • H372Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure.
  • H400Very toxic to aquatic life.
  • H410Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
Precautionary statements (30)
  • P234Keep only in original packaging.
  • P260Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P262Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing.
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P264 + P265Wash skin thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
  • P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
  • P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • P273Avoid release to the environment.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P284In case of inadequate ventilation wear respiratory protection.
  • P301 + P316If swallowed: Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P302 + P352If on skin: Wash with plenty of water.
  • P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P305 + P354 + P338If in eyes: Immediately rinse with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P308 + P316If exposed or concerned: Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P316Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P317Get medical help.
  • P319Get medical help if you feel unwell.
  • P320Specific treatment is urgent (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P330Rinse mouth.
  • P332 + P317If skin irritation occurs: Get medical help.
  • P361 + P364Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.
  • P362 + P364Take off contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.
  • P390Absorb spillage to prevent material damage.
  • P391Collect spillage.
  • P403 + P233Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P406Store in a corrosion resistant container with a resistant inner liner.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.
UN number
UN 1680
Transport hazard class
6.1
Packing group
I

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

Potassium cyanide suppliers

Controlled substance, listings of documented suppliers only, in the documented ranking

Export control

Potassium cyanide is controlled. Only documented suppliers can list it, and buyers must upload a valid licence with their request. Every request is reviewed before suppliers see it.

Licensed buyers only, every enquiry is reviewed by our compliance team.

Reference: Australia Group export control list, chemical weapons precursor

Our policy on controlled substances
No documented supplier lists it yet

Licensed buyers can post a request for Potassium cyanide with their licence. Our compliance team reviews it before suppliers see it.

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Potassium cyanide price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

No published prices right now

Suppliers quote this chemical on request. Send one free request and compare quotes side by side.

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

PC Code(s): 599600, 0 labels match.

Electroplating, steel hardening, extraction of gold & silver from ores, fumigation of fruit trees, ships, railway cars, warehouses.

Reagent in analytical chemistry, in insecticide, extraction of gold and silver from ores.

Primarily for silver plating and also for dyes & specialty products, with sodium cyanide for nitriding steel.

Potassium cyanide releases hydrogen cyanide gas, a highly toxic chemical asphyxiant that interferes with the body’s ability to use oxygen. Exposure to potassium cyanide can be rapidly fatal. It has whole-body (systemic) effects, particularly affecting those organ systems most sensitive to low oxygen levels: the central nervous system (brain), the cardiovascular system (heart and blood vessels), and the pulmonary system (lungs).

Read more

Potassium cyanide is used commercially for fumigation, electroplating, and extracting gold and silver from ores. Hydrogen cyanide gas released by potassium cyanide has a distinctive bitter almond odor (others describe a musty “old sneakers smell”), but a large proportion of people cannot detect it, the odor does not provide adequate warning of hazardous concentrations. It is usually shipped as capsules, tablets, or pellets. Potassium cyanide absorbs water from air (is hygroscopic or deliquescent).

Industrial uses: Plating agent.

Pharmacological actions

  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Poisons

Roles

  • aetiopathogenetic role
  • electron-transport chain inhibitor
  • enzyme inhibitor
  • mitochondrial respiratory-chain inhibitor
  • neurotoxin
  • pathway inhibitor
  • poison
  • respiratory-chain inhibitor

Functional uses

  • Chemical reaction regulator
  • Cleaning agent
  • Hardener
  • Intermediate
  • Plating agent
  • Processing aids not otherwise specified
  • Solvent

Pharmacology

Potassium Cyanide is a synthetic cyanide salt and potassium salt that is a neurotoxin and cytochrome c oxidase and superoxide dismutase inhibitor. It is used in many industrial processes, including as a pesticide, and is characterized as a white crystalline solid that is odorless or has a faint bitter almond odor. Exposure occurs by inhalation, ingestion, or contact.

How it is made

Manufactured by the reaction of an aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide with hydrogen cyanide.

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Export control

Potassium cyanide is controlled. Only documented suppliers can list it, and buyers must upload a valid licence with their request. Every request is reviewed before suppliers see it.

Licensed buyers only, every enquiry is reviewed by our compliance team.

Reference: Australia Group export control list, chemical weapons precursor

Our policy on controlled substances

Controls

  • Chemical Weapons Convention Schedule 3

Health and food

  • Active ingredient in FDA approved drug labels

United States

  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Potassium cyanide is traded under.

HS 2837.19Indicative HS code

Cyanides and cyanide oxides, other

World exports in 2024
$35M
+9.0% vs 2023, imports $73.2M
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. South Korea62.4%
  2. Singapore11.7%
  3. Japan6.9%
Top importers
  1. Philippines29.3%
  2. China16.6%
  3. Malaysia14.7%
Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Potassium cyanide is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Potassium cyanide, based on the data on this page

What is Potassium cyanide?

Potassium cyanide is a cyanide salt containing equal numbers of potassium cations and cyanide anions. It has a role as an EC 1.15.1.1 (superoxide dismutase) inhibitor, an EC 1.9.3.1 (cytochrome c oxidase) inhibitor and a neurotoxin. It is a potassium salt, a cyanide salt and a one-carbon compound.

What is the CAS number of Potassium cyanide?

The CAS registry number of Potassium cyanide is 151-50-8.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Potassium cyanide?

The molecular formula of Potassium cyanide is CKN and its molar mass is 65.12 g/mol.

What is Potassium cyanide used for?

PC Code(s): 599600, 0 labels match. Electroplating, steel hardening, extraction of gold & silver from ores, fumigation of fruit trees, ships, railway cars, warehouses. Reagent in analytical chemistry, in insecticide, extraction of gold and silver from ores.

Is Potassium cyanide hazardous?

Potassium cyanide carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: may be corrosive to metals, fatal if swallowed. fatal in contact with skin. fatal if inhaled, fatal if swallowed. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Potassium cyanide?

Potassium cyanide is usually classified under HS code 283719 (Cyanides and cyanide oxides, other). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Can I buy Potassium cyanide on CompoundList?

Potassium cyanide is a controlled substance. Only documented suppliers can list it, and buyers must upload a valid licence with their request. Every request is reviewed by our compliance team before suppliers see it.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Potassium cyanide

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Upload your licence with the request. Our compliance team reviews it before the documented suppliers see it.
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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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