Cyanamide
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Cyanamide
IUPAC name	Cyanamide, aminomethanenitrile
Other names	Amidocyanogen, carbamonitrile, carbimide, carbodiimide, cyanoamine, cyanoazane, N-cyanoamine, cyanogenamide, cyanogen nitride, hydrogen cyanamide
Identifiers
CAS number	[420-04-2]
PubChem	9864
EINECS number	206-992-3
RTECS number	GS5950000
SMILES	N#CN
Properties
Molecular formula	CH2N2
Molar mass	42.04 g/mol
Appearance	Crystalline solid
Density	1.28 g/cm3 at 20 °C
Melting point	42 °C
Boiling point	260 °C (decomp.) 83 °C at 6.7 Pa 140 °C at 2.5 kPa
Solubility in water	775 g/l at 15 °C
Solubility	Organic solvents
Hazards
Main hazards	Toxic (T)
NFPA 704	1 4 3
R-phrases	R21 R25 R36/38 R43
S-phrases	(S1/2) S3 S22 S36/37 S45
Flash point	141 °C
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox references

Cyanamide (CN₂H₂) is an amide of cyanogen, a white, crystalline compound.

The term can also refer to a salt of this compound, having one or both of the hydrogen atoms replaced by another element or radical, such as in the most common case of calcium cyanamide (CaCN₂), a compound used as a fertilizer and as a source of other compounds of nitrogen.

Chemistry

Cyanamide can be prepared by hydrolysis of calcium cyanamide in presence of carbon dioxide by Frank-Caro process:

Uses

Since mid-1960s, there have been developed procedures to produce stabilized cyanamide for industry use. Cyanamide is used as a plant growth modulator and has many uses in chemical industry.

Safety risks

Aqueous solutions of cyanamide with high concentration may undergo explosive polymerisation when heated. Stability of its solution can be increased by addition of a dicarboxylic acid such as adipic acid.^[1]

References

1. ^ Cyanamide aqueous solution

External links

• International Chemical Safety Card 0424
• NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards 0160
• OSHA guideline for cyanamide
• Article at 1911encyclopedia