Uses of potassium cyanide, a crystalline salt with equal parts potassium cations and cyanide anions, may sound harmless due to its lack of color, but don’t let that fool you – this compound is highly toxic and soluble in water. With a scent reminiscent of bitter almonds and a taste that leaves a burning sensation, potassium cyanide is not something to be taken lightly.
Produced annually in quantities of around 50,000 tons, potassium cyanide has a variety of uses that may surprise you. From the extraction of silver and gold from ores to its role in the electroplating process, this compound plays a crucial role in various industries. Additionally, potassium cyanide is utilized as a reagent in analytical chemistry and in the preparation of carboxylic acids and nitriles.
Photography enthusiasts may also be familiar with potassium cyanide, as it is used in the wet plate collodion process as a photographic fixer. Gold mining and warehouse operations also rely on potassium cyanide for their processes.
Before the invention of the Castner process, potassium cyanide was a key source of alkali metal cyanides. Produced through the decomposition of potassium ferrocyanide, this compound has a rich history in the chemical industry.
However, it’s important to note that potassium cyanide is not without its dangers. Highly poisonous, this compound acts as an inhibitor for many metabolic processes and can be absorbed through the skin, particularly through open wounds. When heated, potassium cyanide releases toxic fumes that can cause a range of health issues, from headaches and nausea to unconsciousness and even death.
With a molecular weight of 65.12 g/mol, a density of 1.52 g/cm3, a melting point of 634 °C, and a boiling point of 1625 °C, potassium cyanide is a compound that demands respect and caution in its handling and use. So, next time you come across potassium cyanide, remember its potential dangers and handle it with care.