What Is Ammonium Thiocyanate?
Ammonium thiocyanate, with the formula NH4SCN and CAS No. 1762-95-4, is a colorless or white, odorless crystal that deliquesces. It’s an ammonium salt of thiocyanic acid, known for its role in various industrial and analytical applications.
Uses of Ammonium Thiocyanate
It’s utilized in the textile industry for dyeing and improving silk strength and as a raw material in pharmaceuticals, synthetic resins, and agriculture. Analytically, it serves in titrations and colorimetric analyses, notably for determining iron content in beverages and removing sulfur from coal combustion gases.
Properties of Ammonium Thiocyanate
This compound exhibits a melting point of 149°C and decomposes at 170°C. It’s soluble in water, ethanol, and acetone, reacting endothermically with water and exhibiting weak acidity in aqueous solutions.
Other Information on Ammonium Thiocyanate
1. Manufacturing Process
Produced by reacting carbon disulfide with aqueous ammonia, it forms through the decomposition of ammonium dithiocarbamate, releasing hydrogen sulfide in the process.
2. Reactions
Stable in air, ammonium thiocyanate can transform into thiourea upon heating. It reacts with alkaline solutions to form thiocyanate anions, interacts with metal ions to form colored complexes or precipitates, and decomposes at high temperatures to produce gases and thiocyanate residues.
3. Legal Information
It’s recognized as a hazardous substance under various safety laws, requiring careful handling.
4. Handling and Storage Precautions
Storage should be in a cool, dry, and dark environment, avoiding light and moisture. Protective measures are necessary when handling, especially to prevent contact with alkalis, and strong oxidizers, and to manage decomposition products safely.