HYDROCYANIDE Meaning and
Definition
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Hydrocyanide is a highly toxic, colorless liquid compound with the chemical formula HCN, which stands for hydrogen cyanide. It is known for its characteristic bitter almond odor, resembling that of almonds or cherries. The term "hydrocyanide" is commonly used to refer to both the gas and liquid forms of this compound.
Hydrocyanide is classified as a powerful and rapidly acting poison. It is highly soluble in water and can release poisonous cyanide ions, which interfere with the normal functioning of cells by inhibiting the activity of key enzymes involved in cellular respiration. This disrupts the ability of cells to utilize oxygen, leading to severe respiratory distress and ultimately causing death if exposure is not terminated promptly.
Hydrocyanide is primarily used in industrial applications, such as the production of acrylic fibers, dyes, and pharmaceuticals. It is also employed as an intermediate in the synthesis of various organic compounds. Additionally, hydrocyanide can be found naturally in certain plants, such as almonds, apricots, and cherries, although in safer quantities.
Due to its extreme toxicity, hydrocyanide poses significant health risks and must be handled and stored with great care. It is important to note that the use of hydrocyanide and its derivatives must strictly adhere to safety guidelines and regulations to prevent accidental exposure and potential harm to individuals and the environment.
Common Misspellings for HYDROCYANIDE
- gydrocyanide
- bydrocyanide
- nydrocyanide
- jydrocyanide
- uydrocyanide
- yydrocyanide
- htdrocyanide
- hgdrocyanide
- hhdrocyanide
- hudrocyanide
- h7drocyanide
- h6drocyanide
- hysrocyanide
- hyxrocyanide
- hycrocyanide
- hyfrocyanide
- hyrrocyanide
- hyerocyanide
- hydeocyanide
Etymology of HYDROCYANIDE
The word "hydrocyanide" is derived from the combination of two parts: "hydro" and "cyanide".
The prefix "hydro-" originates from the Ancient Greek word "hudōr", meaning water. In chemistry, "hydro-" is commonly used to denote a compound that contains hydrogen or a compound formed by the addition of hydrogen.
The term "cyanide" comes from the Greek word "kyanos", which translates to "dark blue". This is because cyanide compounds are often associated with a blue color. Cyanide refers to any chemical compound containing the cyanide ion (CN-). It can be found naturally in various minerals or can be synthesized.
Therefore, when combined, "hydrocyanide" literally means a compound that contains both hydrogen and the cyanide ion.
