Potassium+Cyanide


 * Potassium cyanide** is an inorganic compound with the formula KCN. This colorless crystalline compound, similar in appearance to sugar, is highly soluble in water. Most KCN is used in gold mining, organic synthesis, and electroplating. Smaller applications include jewelry for chemical gilding and buffing.

KCN is highly toxic. The moist solid emits small amounts of hydrogen cyanide due to hydrolysis, which smells like bitter almonds. Not everyone, however, can smell this odor: the ability to do so is a genetic trait.

It is used by entomologists as a killing agent in collecting jars, as most insects succumb within seconds, minimizing damage of even highly fragile specimens.

Potassium cyanide releases hydrogen cyanids gas, a highly toxic chemical asphyxiant that interferes with the body's ability to use oxygen. Exposure to potassium cyanide can be rapidly fatal. It has whole-body (systemic) effects, particularly affecting those organ systems most sensitive to low oxygen levels: the central nervous system (brain), the cardiovascular system (heart and blood vessels), and the pulmonary system (lungs). Potassium cyanide is used commercially for fumigation, electroplating, and extracting gold and silver from ores. Potassium cyanide is usually shipped as capsules, tablets, or pellets. It absorbs water from air.

KCN is produced by treating hydrogen cyanide with a 50% aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide, followed by evaporation of the solution in a vacuum: HCN + KOH → KCN + H2O or by treating formamide with potassium hydroxide: HCONH2 + KOH → KCN + 2H2O Approximately 50,000 tons of potassium cyanide are produced yearly.

Methods of dissemination:  
 * Indoor Air- Potassium cyanide can be released into indoor air as fine droplets, liquid spray (aerosol), or fine particles.
 * Water- Potassium cyanide can be used to contaminate water.
 * Food- Potassium cyanide can be used to contaminate food
 * Outdoor Air- Potassium cyanide can be released into indoor air as fine droplets, liquid spray (aerosol), or fine particles.
 * Agricultural- If potassium cyanide is released as fine droplets, liquid spray (aerosol), or fine particles, it has the potential to contaminate agricultural products