cyanic acid

Chemical properties

Colorless liquid or gas with an acrid smell; mp -86°C (-122.8°F); bp 23.5°C (74.3°F); density 1.140 at 20°C (68°F); soluble in water, alcohol, ether, benzene, and toluene.

The Uses of cyanic acid

In formation of some cyanates.

The Uses of cyanic acid

Hydrogen cyanate is used in the preparation of cyanates.

Definition

cyanic acid: An unstable explosiveacid, HOCN. The compound has thestructure H–O–C≡N, and is also calledfulminic acid. Its salts and esters arecyanates (or fulminates). The compoundis a volatile liquid, whichreadily polymerizes. In water it hydrolysesto ammonia and carbondioxide. It is isomeric with anotheracid, H–N=C=O, which is known asisocyanic acid. Its salts and esters areisocyanates.

Health Hazard

Hydrogen cyanate is a severe irritant to the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes. Exposure to this compound can cause severe lacrimation. Inhalation can produce irritation and injury to the respiratory tract. LD50 values are not reported.

Fire Hazard

Flammable; the liquid can explode when heated rapidly.

Waste Disposal

Hydrogen cyanate can be disposed of in the drain in small amounts. It decomposes in water forming CO2 and NH3.