Cuprous thiocyanate, CuCNS

The Cuprous thiocyanate, CuCNS, is produced by dissolving cuprous oxide or carbonate in thiocyanic acid, and by the interaction of solutions of potassium thiocyanate and a cupric salt in presence of a reducer, such as ferrous sulphate or sulphurous acid. It is a white substance, its solubility at 18° C. being 0.23 mg. in 1 litre of water.3 It dissolves in ammonium hydroxide and concentrated hydrochloric acid, and also in concentrated nitric acid with formation of cupric sulphate. It is employed in the preparation of aromatic thiocyanates.