Definition

Noun: A highly toxic, white, crystalline inorganic compound with the chemical formula NaCN. It is a salt of hydrocyanic acid and is used primarily in industrial processes, notably in electroplating and gold mining.

Usage

Sodium cyanide is typically discussed in industrial, chemical, or hazardous material contexts. * The factory strictly controls access to sodium cyanide due to its extreme toxicity. * Sodium cyanide is a key reagent in the extraction of gold from ore.

Advanced Usage

• As a chemical agent: It functions as a source of cyanide ions (CN⁻) in chemical reactions.
  • In the laboratory, sodium cyanide must be handled in a fume hood.
• In a regulatory or safety context: Often mentioned concerning handling, storage, and disposal regulations.
  • The shipment of sodium cyanide requires special hazardous materials documentation.

Variants and Related Words

• Cyanide (n): The general term for compounds containing the cyano group (C≡N⁻). Sodium cyanide is a specific, solid cyanide salt.
• Potassium cyanide (n): A related, equally toxic cyanide salt (KCN) with similar uses.

Synonyms

• NaCN (n): The chemical formula, used as a technical synonym.
• Cyanide salt (n): A broader categorical term.

Note: There are no standard idioms or phrasal verbs associated with this specific chemical compound.

Noun

1. a white poisonous salt (NaCN) used in electroplating