Hydrogen Cyanide
Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN) is an extremely poisonous liquid discovered in 1782 by Carl Scheele, a Swedish chemist. HCN is very toxic because it stops cells from using oxygen properly thus causing death. Although HCN is a great solvent for salts, it cannot be used due to its high toxicity. Even though it is general stable, it has the capacity to combust in the company of basic substances such as ammonia or sodium cyanide.
What is its structure?
The structure of Hydrogen cyanide is H-C≡N. HCN is a linear molecule and has a triple bond between Carbon and Nitrogen which is strong whereas Hydrogen and Carbon are connected by a single bond making the bond weak. HCN as has a 180° angle.
What are its physical properties?
Molecular weight 27.0253 g/mol
Molecular formula HCN
Colour Colourless gas
Odour Sweetish
Taste …show more content…
HCN is used often in the chemical industry as a fumigation method. Due to it being very poisonous to humans, HCN was also used in gas chambers for execution. It is mainly used in metal treatment as hardening irons and steels and is used in electroplating. Besides industries HCN in air from car exhausts at a low level.
Why is it considered dangerous?
Chemically, HCN is unstable around heat, water and alkaline materials as well as reacting with a number of compounds. The main reason HCN is considered dangerous is because due to its almond like odour, it cannot be detected easily. It can be easily absorbed by inhalation and individuals can die immediately.
HCN can also be corrosive if
Due to HCN being generally a gas it is able to mix freely in the air which may cause explosions and fire. Overall, HCN is considered dangerous because it can cause fire hazards, explosion hazards, and skin and inhalation hazards
What is the potential for
Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN) is an extremely poisonous liquid discovered in 1782 by Carl Scheele, a Swedish chemist. HCN is very toxic because it stops cells from using oxygen properly thus causing death. Although HCN is a great solvent for salts, it cannot be used due to its high toxicity. Even though it is general stable, it has the capacity to combust in the company of basic substances such as ammonia or sodium cyanide.
What is its structure?
The structure of Hydrogen cyanide is H-C≡N. HCN is a linear molecule and has a triple bond between Carbon and Nitrogen which is strong whereas Hydrogen and Carbon are connected by a single bond making the bond weak. HCN as has a 180° angle.
What are its physical properties?
Molecular weight 27.0253 g/mol
Molecular formula HCN
Colour Colourless gas
Odour Sweetish
Taste …show more content…
HCN is used often in the chemical industry as a fumigation method. Due to it being very poisonous to humans, HCN was also used in gas chambers for execution. It is mainly used in metal treatment as hardening irons and steels and is used in electroplating. Besides industries HCN in air from car exhausts at a low level.
Why is it considered dangerous?
Chemically, HCN is unstable around heat, water and alkaline materials as well as reacting with a number of compounds. The main reason HCN is considered dangerous is because due to its almond like odour, it cannot be detected easily. It can be easily absorbed by inhalation and individuals can die immediately.
HCN can also be corrosive if
Due to HCN being generally a gas it is able to mix freely in the air which may cause explosions and fire. Overall, HCN is considered dangerous because it can cause fire hazards, explosion hazards, and skin and inhalation hazards
What is the potential for