What is a cyanide?
Q: What is a cyanide?
A: A cyanide is a chemical that contains the cyano-group C≡N. Organic compounds that contain the CN group are called nitriles.
Q: What are some sources of cyanides?
A: Cyanides can be produced by certain bacteria, fungi and algae, as well as found in certain foods or plants, such as cassava.
Q: Are all cyanides highly toxic?
A: No, not all cyanides are highly toxic. Prussian blue, which is a cyanide compound, is actually used to treat poisoning with thallium and caesium.
Q: What type of poison is hydrogen cyanide (HCN)?
A: Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) is a gas and kills by inhalation. It is considered to be the single most hazardous compound among other derivatives of hydrogen cyanide like potassium cyanide (KCN), and sodium cyanide (NaCN).
Q: How do plants use Cyanides?
A: Plants use Cyanides as a defense against being eaten by herbivores.
Q: What does CN stand for?
A: CN stands for Carbon Nitride - it's when carbon atom has three chemical bonds to a nitrogen atom.
