UN/NA Number Reference
DOT Class 6.1 Toxic Substance placard

UN 1575: Calcium cyanide

49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table·ERG 2024

DOT Classification and Shipping

UN 1575 is assigned the proper shipping name Calcium cyanide in the U.S. DOT Hazardous Materials Table (49 CFR 172.101). It is classified as a Class 6.1 Toxic Substance material, Packing Group I. Required label(s): 6.1.

Packing group indicates the degree of danger within a hazard class: PG I is high danger, PG II medium, PG III low. The proper shipping name, hazard class, UN number, and packing group together form the basic shipping description that must appear on shipping papers and, where required, on the package and placard.

Emergency Response (ERG Guide 157)

Hazards: TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE. Reacts with water. Non-combustible in themselves.

Fire: DO NOT use water. Dry chemical, CO2, dry sand.

Spill: Do not touch. Keep material dry.

Chemical and Physical Properties

Calcium cyanide appears as white crystals or powder or gray-black powder (technical grade). Toxic by skin absorption through open wounds, by ingestion, and by inhalation.

CAS Number: 592-01-8
Molecular Formula: C2CaN2
Molecular Weight: 92.11 g/mol
Color / Form: Colorless crystals or white powder
Odor: Odor of hydrogen cyanide
Melting Point: Decomposes > 662 °F (NTP, 1992)
Specific Gravity: 1.853 (sinks in water)
Vapor Pressure: 0.03 [mmHg]
Water Solubility: Soluble in water with gradual liberation of HCN

Regulatory Data

CERCLA RQ (40 CFR 302.4)
10 lb
RCRA Waste Code(s)
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A release of this material at or above its CERCLA reportable quantity (10 lb) requires immediate notification to the National Response Center at 800-424-8802.

Special Provisions

49 CFR 172.102 special provision codes for this entry: IB7, IP1, N79, N80, T6, TP33, W31. These codes modify the general requirements (packaging, quantity limits, exceptions) for this specific material. Look up each code in 49 CFR 172.102 for the full text.

Need the full interactive record? Open UN 1575 in the SpillNerd lookup tool for the live database entry with placard graphics, GHS pictograms, full segregation tables, and synonym search. For another material, use the UN number and chemical lookup.

Reference data compiled from the DOT Hazardous Materials Table (49 CFR 172.101), the 2024 Emergency Response Guidebook, and public chemical databases (PubChem, NIOSH, EPA). Always verify the correct shipping description against the current regulation and the manufacturer's SDS Section 14 before shipping.