For many years cyanamide (CAS no. 420-04-2)was not commercially available due to its unstable nature.
Since about 1965 the former “Süddeutsche Kalkstickstoffwerke AG” (current name: AlzChem Trostberg
GmbH) developed a special stabilizing system. It was to be investigated to which Class (e.g. “Corrosive
Substances”, Class 8) or Division (e.g. “Self-reactive Substances”, Division 4.1) of the International Regulations
for the Transport of Dangerous Goods cyanamide (pure or as a 50% solution in water) should be
assigned and based on this whichmaximumquantities are allowed to transport e.g. in tanks. Cyanamide is
used for the synthesis of pharmaceutical and agrochemical actives, biocides, dyestuffs and fine chemicals.
During the last years cyanamide was tested at BAM and AQura. The results and an appraisal are presented
in this paper. Thus, cyanamide should be classified according to the UN Recommendations on the
Transport of Dangerous Goods in Class 8, UN number 2922 (50% solution in water) and UN number 2923
(pure substance) respectively, packaging group III, danger labels 8 + 6.1. Cyanamide, 50% solution inwater,
can be transported in portable tanks under specific conditions.