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In chemistry, cyanide (from Greek kyanos ' dark blue ') is a chemical compound that contains a C≡N functional group. This group, known as the cyano group, consists of a carbon atom triple-bonded to a nitrogen atom. [ 1 ] In inorganic cyanides, the cyanide group is present as the cyanide anion −C≡N.
- What Is Cyanide?
- How Cyanide Poisons
- Exposure to Cyanide
- Symptoms of Cyanide Poisoning
- How Much Cyanide Is Lethal?
- Is There A Treatment For Cyanide Poisoning?
The term "cyanide" refers to any chemical containing a carbon-nitrogen (CN) bond. Many substances contain cyanide, but not all of them are deadly poisons. Sodium cyanide (NaCN), potassium cyanide (KCN), hydrogen cyanide (HCN), and cyanogen chloride (CNCl) are lethal, but thousands of compounds called nitriles contain the cyanide group yet aren't as...
In a nutshell, cyanide prevents cells from using oxygento make energy molecules. The cyanide ion, CN-, binds to the iron atom in cytochrome C oxidase in the mitochondria of cells. It acts as an irreversible enzyme inhibitor, preventing cytochrome C oxidase from doing its job, which is to transport electrons to oxygen in the electron transport chain...
Cyanide can be used as a poisonor chemical warfare agent, but most people are exposed to it unintentionally. Some ways to be exposed to cyanide include: 1. Eating cassava, lima beans, yucca, bamboo shoots, sorghum, or almonds 2. Eating apple seeds, cherry stones, apricot pits, or peach pits 3. Smoking cigarettes 4. Burning plastic 5. Burning coal 6...
Inhaling a high dose of cyanide gas rapidly causes unconsciousness and often death. Lower doses may be survivable, especially if immediate aid is provided. The symptoms of cyanide poisoning are similar to those displayed by other conditions or exposure to any of a number of chemicals, so don't assume cyanide is the cause. In any event, do remove ...
How much cyanide is too much depends on the route of exposure, the dose, and the duration of exposure. Inhaled cyanide presents a greater risk than ingested cyanide. Skin contact is not as much of a concern (unless the cyanide has been mixed with DMSO), except touching the compound could lead to accidentally swallowing some of it.As a rough estimat...
Because it's a relatively common toxin in the environment, the body can detoxify a small amount of cyanide. For example, you can eat the seeds of an apple or withstand cyanide from cigarette smoke without dying. When cyanide is used as a poison or a chemical weapon, treatment depends on the dose. A high dose of inhaled cyanide is lethal too quickly...
- Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Aug 22, 2024 · cyanide, any compound containing the monovalent combining group CN. In inorganic cyanides, such as sodium cyanide (NaCN), this group is present as the negatively charged cyanide ion; these compounds, which are regarded as salts of hydrocyanic acid, are highly toxic. Organic cyanides are usually called nitriles; in these, the CN group is linked ...
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Sep 6, 2024 · Cyanide is a fast acting and potentially deadly chemical that affects the body's ability to use oxygen. It comes from natural substances in some foods and in certain plants, including the pits and seeds of some common fruits. Cyanide is sometimes described as having a "bitter almond" smell. It does not always give off a smell, and not everyone ...
First isolated in 1782, cyanide is a compound composed of carbon atom triple-bonded to a nitrogen atom (C≡N). Cyanide is a naturally occurring chemical can be produced by certain types of bacteria, fungi, and algae and found in several types of plants, seeds, and fruit stones, including bamboo, cassava, bitter almonds, apples, and peaches.
Aug 14, 2024 · The acute lethal oral dose for hydrogen cyanide has been reported at between 50 and 90 mg; for potassium or sodium cyanide it has been reported at 200 mg (equivalent to 81 and 110 mg of hydrogen ...
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How is cyanide exposed?
• Cyanide gas is most dangerous in enclosed places where the gas will be trapped. • Cyanide gas evaporates and disperses quick ly in open spaces, making it less harmful outdoors. • Cyanide gas is less dense than air, so it will rise. • Cyanide prevents the cells of the body from getting oxygen.
