Cyanide

A cyanide is any chemical compound that contains the group C≡N, with the carbon atom triple bonded to the nitrogen atom. Inorganic cyanides contain the highly toxic cyanide ion CN- and are the salts of the acid hydrogen cyanide (HCN). Organic cyanides contain the cyano group (CN) single-bonded to another carbon atom are also known as nitriles. Two cyanide ions can bond to each other via their carbon atoms, forming the gas cyanogen (NC-CN).

Appearance

Hydrogen cyanide is a colorless gas with a faint, bitter, almond-like odour. Nearly 40% of the population is unable to smell cyanide at all because they lack the necessary gene. Sodium cyanide (NaCN) and potassium cyanide (KCN) are both white solids or powder with a bitter, almond-like odour in damp air.

Related Topics:
Almond - Sodium - Potassium

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