UN 2316 — Sodium cuprocyanide, solid
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 157. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2316 is Sodium cuprocyanide, solid, a toxic cyanide complex assigned to ERG Guide 157. Acid contact can release highly toxic hydrogen cyanide gas.
Hazard overview: TOXIC cyanide complex; inhalation, ingestion or skin/eye contact may cause severe or fatal poisoning. Acids or acidic runoff can release highly toxic hydrogen cyanide gas. Solid dust or solution can contaminate clothing, tools, drains, soil and water.
Response guidance: For a UN 2316 incident, verify the product with shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 157. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, control ignition or incompatibility hazards, prevent runoff, dust or vapor spread and base entry/fire-control actions on monitoring and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2316 should emphasize cyanide poisoning, acid/HCN gas release, respiratory protection, air monitoring, medical coordination, decontamination and toxic runoff control. Use ERG 157, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Sodium cuprocyanide, solid is regulated as a hazardous material for transportation and emergency response purposes. Storage, workplace exposure, emergency planning, spill reporting, waste handling and environmental requirements vary by exact product, concentration, quantity and jurisdiction. Verify current requirements through shipping papers, SDS, container markings and applicable DOT, OSHA, EPA, NFPA, state or local authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Sodium cuprocyanide, solid should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers in a secure toxic-material area away from acids, acidic salts, oxidizers, food areas and unauthorized access. Provide spill containment and cyanide emergency procedures.
UN 2316 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2316
- TOXIC cyanide complex; inhalation, ingestion or skin/eye contact may cause severe or fatal poisoning.
- Acids or acidic runoff can release highly toxic hydrogen cyanide gas.
- Solid dust or solution can contaminate clothing, tools, drains, soil and water.
- Fire may produce toxic/corrosive gases including cyanide and nitrogen-containing products.
- Do not use acidic agents; prevent contact with acids and incompatible chemicals.
- Runoff and decontamination water may be toxic and environmentally harmful.
- Odor is not a reliable warning for cyanide exposure.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
White to off-white or light tan crystalline solid powder. Odorless when dry, may have slight cyanide odor when exposed to moisture.
| Also known as | Cuprous sodium cyanideCopper(I) sodium cyanideSodium copper(I) cyanideCuprate(1-), dicyano-, sodium |
| CAS Number | 14264-31-4 |
| Appearance | White to off-white or light tan crystalline solid powder. Odorless when dry, may have slight cyanide odor when exposed to moisture. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-flammable solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes before boiling) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts with water and moist air to release toxic hydrogen cyanide gas (HCN) and corrosive fumes |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2316
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for dust, mist, vapor, fire or confined-space exposure. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, boots, eye/face protection and protective clothing selected from SDS; Level A may be needed for unknown concentrations.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2316 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call the emergency response telephone number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Avoid breathing vapors, dust, mist, smoke or fumes and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Keep acids and acidic runoff away because hydrogen cyanide gas may be released.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless properly trained and wearing appropriate protective equipment.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained, equipped, monitored and authorized by incident command.
- Isolate the spill or release area and expand the perimeter for fire involvement, vapor spread, dust generation, water reaction or unknown product identity.
- Use ERG Guide 157, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2316 — Sodium cuprocyanide, solidUse for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.