Cyanide is a chemical compound that contains group C≡N. This group, known as the cyano group, consists of a carbon atom triple-bonded to a nitrogen atom.
Cyanides can be present in 2 different forms: organic and inorganic compounds. Organic cyanides are usually called nitriles.
In any case, cyanide is a rapidly acting, potentially deadly chemical, that can present as a colourless gas, such as hydrogen cyanide (HCN) or cyanogen chloride (CNCl), or as a crystal form, such as sodium cyanide (NaCN) or potassium cyanide (KCN).
Sometimes it can have a “bitter almond” smell, but it does not always give off an odour, and not everyone can detect it.
In nature, cyanides are produced by certain bacteria, fungi, and algae and are found in several plants and they can be found in substantial amounts in certain seeds and fruit stones. Furthermore, it can be specifically manufactured or it can be formed as a secondary product in different processes involving the combustion or pyrolysis of certain materials under oxygen-deficient conditions.
Why is cyanide a hazardous substance?
Cyanide is a rapidly acting, potentially deadly chemical. Exposure to these compounds usually causes immediate signs and symptoms which vary depending on the amount of exposure.
For small exposures, symptoms include the following ones: dizziness, headache, nausea and vomiting, rapid breathing, rapid heart rate, restlessness and weakness. For large amounts of exposure to cyanide, the most common symptoms are: convulsions, loss of consciousness, low blood pressure, lung injury, respiratory failure leading to death and slow heart rate.
Survivors of cyanide poisoning may develop heart, brain and nerve damage.
Where can cyanide be found?
Naturally, cyanides are present in certain fruit seeds and bones, such as bitter almonds, apricots, apples, and peaches.
Moreover, cyanide is also produced by human action and it may be present in various activities. It can be found in the following sectors:
- Mining
- Industrial organic chemistry
- Medical uses
- Illegal fishing and poaching
- Pest control
Some examples of cyanide use in the above-mentioned sectors are, in manufacturing, it is used to make paper, textiles, and plastics, and it is present in the chemicals used to develop photographs. Cyanide salts are used in metallurgy for electroplating, metal cleaning, and removing gold from its ore. And cyanide gas is used to exterminate pests and vermin in ships and buildings.
Additionally, it must be mentioned that cyanide is contained in cigarette smoke and the combustion products of synthetic materials such as plastics.
For last, it should be mentioned that cyanide has also been used, during history as a poison, and as a weapon in various wars.
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This article can be found in the 2021 edition of the document. Find the full publication here:
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