BRAINCAKEHazards of KCN
Potassium cyanide is highly toxic. It can kill if swallowed, and it is harmful if its dust is breathed in or it gets on the skin. Cyanide ions stop cells from using oxygen in respiration (they inhibit a respiratory enzyme).
Hydrogen cyanide is released with acid. The reaction uses KCN followed by dilute acid. Cyanide ions and acid form hydrogen cyanide, HCN, which is also highly toxic and very volatile (it boils at about 26 °C), so it escapes as a gas.
Why use KCN rather than HCN?
• HCN is so volatile and toxic that it is very hard to handle safely; solid KCN is easier to measure and contain.
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More in Aldehydes and Ketones
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All 9 lessons in Aldehydes and Ketones · All AQA A-level Chemistry topics