Applications
Sodium cyanide is used as a starting material for the preparation of Reissert compounds and cyanogen bromide, cyanuric chloride and cyanogen chloride. It acts as a catalyst for the aminolysis of esters to primary amides. Furthermore, it is used for fumigation, electroplating, extracting gold and silver in mining industry. In organic synthesis, it is involved in the cyanation reaction of alkyl halides under phase transfer conditions.

Solubility
Soluble in water, ammonia, methanol and ethanol. Slightly soluble in dimethylformamide. Insoluble in dimethylsulphoxide.

Notes
Hygroscopic. Do not store near acids. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents and carbon dioxide.