Sodium cyanate (NaCNO) is an inorganic compound that usually exists in the form of a white or off-white crystalline powder. It is easily soluble in water but slightly soluble in organic solvents such as liquid chlorine, ethanol, ether, and benzene. Sodium cyanate is very stable in the dry state, but is easily hydrolyzed in hot water to produce ammonium carbonate, sodium carbonate, and urea.

1. Raw materials for organic synthesis: Sodium cyanate is used as a raw material for the synthesis of various compounds in organic chemistry.

2. Pharmaceutical industry: It is used in the manufacture of certain drugs such as p-chlorophenylurea, an intermediate of chloroxamide (an insecticide).

3. Herbicides: In agriculture, sodium cyanate can be used as a herbicide.

4. Metallurgical industry: In the metallurgical industry, sodium cyanate is used as a heat treatment agent for steel, helping to improve the properties of steel.

5. Electroplating and metal treatment: It is also used in electroplating and metal treatment processes.