hydrogen cyanide

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Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A highly toxic chemical compound: Hydrogen cyanide is a colorless, extremely poisonous substance that exists as a gas or a volatile liquid. It is known for its distinctive smell, which is often compared to bitter almonds. It vaporizes into a gas at temperatures above approximately 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius) and poses the greatest danger when its vapors are inhaled. Chemically, it is the anhydride (water-free form) of hydrocyanic acid.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • Hydrogen cyanide was detected in the sealed container.
    • Exposure to hydrogen cyanide gas can be fatal within minutes.
    • The industrial process involves the careful handling of hydrogen cyanide.
Advanced Usage
  • In forensic or historical contexts: Often mentioned in the context of certain types of poisoning or as a chemical weapon.
    • The investigation revealed traces of hydrogen cyanide in the victim's system.
  • In industrial chemistry: Referenced as a precursor or reagent in manufacturing processes.
    • Hydrogen cyanide is a key starting material in the production of acrylic plastics.
Variants and Related Words
  • Hydrocyanic acid (noun): The aqueous solution of hydrogen cyanide gas in water.
    • Hydrocyanic acid is also a potent poison.
  • Cyanide (noun): A general term for salts containing the CN⁻ ion, which are derived from hydrogen cyanide and are also highly toxic.
    • The compound potassium cyanide releases cyanide ions.
  • Prussic acid (noun): An older, historical name for hydrocyanic acid.
    • Prussic acid was known for its use in early chemical research.
Synonyms
  • Formonitrile (a systematic chemical name).
  • HCN (the standard chemical formula abbreviation).
Related Phrases
  • "Cyanide poisoning": A condition caused by exposure to hydrogen cyanide or cyanide salts.
    • The symptoms were consistent with acute cyanide poisoning.
  • "Bitter almond odor": A descriptive phrase often associated with the smell of hydrogen cyanide.
    • The warning sign mentioned the characteristic bitter almond odor of the gas.
Noun
  1. a highly poisonous gas or volatile liquid that smells like bitter almonds; becomes a gas at around 90 degree Fahrenheit and is most dangerous when inhaled; the anhydride of hydrocyanic acid; used in manufacturing