Hydrogen cyanide

Preparation of alkyliminoformate chlorides by passing hydrogen chloride rapidly into alcoholic hydrogen cyanide proceeds explosively (probably owing to a sudden exotherm), even with strong cooling.

Cyanogen halides may be prepared by electrolysis of hydrogen cyanide or its salts mixed with halide salts. If ammonium chloride is used as the halide salt, precautions to prevent formation of explosive nitrogen trichloride are necessary.

Avoid addition of such alkaline chemicals as sodium hydroxide, ammonia, calcium hydroxide, and sodium carbonate to hydrogen cyanide since they promote polymerization and induce decomposition, which may cause an explosion. Also, avoid addition of large quantities of acid to hydrogen cyanide, for similar reasons.

Severe explosion hazard when exposed to heat or flame or by chemical reaction with oxidizers.

Reacts violently with acetaldehyde.

Amines, oxidizers, acids, sodium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, water, caustics, ammonia [Note: Can polymerize at 122 - 140 deg F].