Potassium thiocyanate is a chemical compound that contains potassium, sulfur, carbon, and nitrogen atoms with the formula KSCN. It is formed by the fusion of sulfur with potassium cyanide, extraction with hot aqueous alcohol, evaporating and cooling.

Potassium thiocyanate occurs as colourless, transparent prismatic crystals that are hygroscopic. It is odourless and has a cooling, saline taste. Alcoholic solution of potassium thiocyanate was shaken up with an acid soil a red colour developed, somewhat in proportion to the acidity of the soil. Therefore, potassium thiocyanate can be used to test the acidity of the soil.

Properties of Potassium Thiocyanate

Chemical Formula : KSCN

Appearance : Colourless deliquescent crystals

Odour : Odourless

Density : 1.89 g/cm³

Molecular Weight/ Molar Mass : 97.181 g/mol

Boiling Point : 500 °C

Melting Point : 173 °C

Solubility : 177 g/100 mL (soluble in water)

Uses of Potassium Thiocyanate

Used in conjunction with ferric chloride volumetric solution, a red compound is produced at the endpoint.

Used in cumbersome, to be carefully followed with blood tests. Overdose may lead to a serious intoxication and blood dyscrasias.

Used in the laboratory as a sensitive reagent for the iron ion and with silver nitrate solution for the titrimetric estimation of halides.