Definition

1. Noun:
   • A highly poisonous, volatile liquid: Prussic acid is the common name for hydrogen cyanide (HCN) when dissolved in water. It is a colorless, extremely toxic substance with a characteristic odor of bitter almonds.
   • A chemical compound used in industry and fumigation: In weak, diluted solutions, it has applications in processes like fumigation to kill pests and in the synthesis of various organic compounds.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The laboratory handled prussic acid with extreme caution due to its high toxicity.
  • Historically, prussic acid was used in some fumigants to control insects in stored grain.

Advanced Usage

• "To contain traces of prussic acid": Refers to the natural presence of cyanogenic compounds in some plants, like certain fruit pits.
  • The pits of cherries and apricots can contain compounds that release prussic acid when metabolized.

Variants and Related Words

• Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) (n): The pure chemical compound, gaseous at room temperature, which forms prussic acid when dissolved in water.
  • Hydrogen cyanide gas is even more rapidly lethal than its aqueous solution.
• Cyanide (n): A salt or ester of hydrocyanic acid (containing the CN⁻ ion); often used interchangeably in contexts discussing toxicity.
  • The toxic principle in prussic acid is the cyanide ion.

Synonyms

• Hydrocyanic acid: The more formal chemical name for the same aqueous solution.

Important Notes (Safety)

• Extreme Hazard: Prussic acid is a potent, rapid-acting poison that inhibits cellular respiration. It should only be handled by trained professionals with appropriate safety equipment.
• Historical Context: The name "prussic" originates from its early isolation from the pigment Prussian blue.

Noun

1. a solution of hydrogen cyanide in water; weak solutions are used in fumigating and in the synthesis of organic compounds