Ethylthiocyanate

Chemical properties

clear colorless liquid

Chemical properties

Ethyl thiocyanate is a liquid. Onion odor

The Uses of Ethylthiocyanate

Ethyl thiocyanate was used in the synthesis of hydrogen cyanide by undergoing in situ reduction with dithiothreitol.

General Description

Liquid. Used as an agricultural insecticide.

Reactivity Profile

Nitric acid violently oxidized a thiocyanate solution [Bretherick, 1979 p. 121]. Caution should be exercised in treating a thiocyanate with an oxidizing agent such as a peroxide or chlorate as such mixtures have been known to explode.

Health Hazard

Ethylthiocyanate is highly toxic if ingested.

Fire Hazard

When heated to decomposition, Ethylthiocyanate emits very toxic fumes of oxides of nitrogen and sulfur.

Safety Profile

Poison by ingestion, subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, and intravenous routes. When heated to decomposition it emits very toxic fumes of NO, and SOx. See also THIOCYANATES.

Potential Exposure

This thiocyanate material is used as an agricultural insecticide

Shipping

UN2929 Toxic liquids, flammable, organic, n.o.s., Hazard class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poison Inhalation Hazard, 3-Flammable liquid, Technical Name Required

Purification Methods

Fractionally distil the ester at atmospheric pressure. [Beilstein 2 IV 1218.] (CARE LACHRYMATOR.)

Incompatibilities

Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates, nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Keep away from alkaline materials, strong bases, strong acids, oxoacids, and epoxides. Esters are generally incompatible with nitrates. Moisture may cause hydrolysis or other forms of decomposition. Caution should be exercised in treating a thiocyanate with an oxidizing agent such as a peroxide or chlorate as such mixtures have been known to explode

Waste Disposal

In accordance with 40CFR 165 recommendations for the disposal of pesticides and pesticide containers. Must be disposed properly by following package label directions or by contacting your local or federal environmental control agency, or by contacting your regional EPA office