Cyanide (inorganic) compounds: Overview
Description
Cyanide salts are mainly used in electroplating, metallurgy, the production of orgainc chemicals (acrylonitrile, methyl methacrylate, adiponitrile), photographic development, the extraction of gold and silver from ores, tanning leather and in the making of plastics and fibres. They are also used to manufacture fumigation chemicals, insecticides and rodenticides.
Cyanide is a substance that is found in combination with other chemicals in the environment. The more common ones are Hydrogen cyanide (CASR# 74-90-8); sodium cyanide (CASR# 143-33-9); potassium cyanide (CASR# 151-50-8) and calcium cyanide (CASR# 592-01-8).
Substance details
Substance name: Cyanide (inorganic) compounds
CASR number: 57-12-5
Molecular formula: CN-
Synonyms: Cyanides; Isocyanide; Cyanide ion; Cyanide anion; CYANIDE(1-) ION.
Physical properties
Hydrogen cyanide exists as colourless or pale blue liquid or gas with a bitter almond odour detectable at 1 to 5 ppm. Calcium cyanide, potassium cyanide, and sodium cyanide are all examples of simple cyanide salts. They are all white solids, are soluble in water, and smell like bitter almond.
Melting Point: Hydrogen cyanide: -13.4°C
Sodium cyanide: 563.7°C
Potassium cyanide: 634.5°C
Boiling Point: Hydrogen cyanide: 25.6°C
Sodium cyanide: 1496°C
Potassium cyanide: 1625°C
Density: Hydrogen cyanide:
0.699 kg/m3 (liquid)
Sodium cyanide: 1.6 kg/m3
Potassium cyanide: 1.52 kg/m3
Chemical properties
Cyanides are a group of compounds based on a structure formed when carbon and nitrogen are combined. When cyanide combines with chemicals from the metals groups it forms simple salts. Calcium cyanide, potassium cyanide, and sodium cyanide all will liberate hydrogen cyanide (which is also soluble in water and smells like bitter almonds) in acidic water.
Further information
The National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) holds data for all sources of cyanide (inorganic) compounds emissions in Australia.
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