Sodium cyanide

Sodium cyanide (CAS 143-33-9), also sold under the trade names Cymag and Cyanogran, is an inorganic salt used primarily as a chemical reagent and processing agent across mining, metal finishing, and chemical synthesis.

Its ability to form stable complexes with metals drives its role in extractive and surface treatment processes. In gold and silver mining, it is the primary lixiviant in heap leach and tank leach circuits.

It selectively dissolves precious metals from ore for downstream recovery. Electroplating and metal finishing operations use it as a complexing agent in copper, zinc, and cadmium bath formulations to control deposition quality.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers rely on it as a building block in synthesizing nitrile intermediates and other nitrogen-containing active pharmaceutical ingredients. In organic synthesis, it functions as a cyanide source.

It is used in nucleophilic addition reactions to produce specialty chemicals and polymer precursors. Sodium cyanide is supplied as white briquettes, granules, or pellets, with Cyanogran and Cymag representing established forms.

Technical grade is the standard for mining and industrial applications, with purity levels typically at 98% or higher. Packaging is available in bulk quantities suited to large-scale industrial procurement.

Handling requirements are governed by strict regulatory frameworks in most jurisdictions. This ensures safety and compliance across the global supply chain for this critical industrial chemical reagent.