POTASSIUM CYANIDE Meaning and
Definition
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Potassium cyanide is a highly toxic and potent inorganic compound with the chemical formula KCN. It is a white, crystalline solid that is soluble in water and has a distinctive odor resembling that of bitter almonds. This compound consists of a potassium cation (K+) and the cyanide anion (CN-). Potassium cyanide is known for its extreme toxicity and is found in various forms, such as powder, tablets, or pellets.
Due to its high reactivity, potassium cyanide is widely used in several industrial processes, including electroplating, mining, and organic synthesis. It acts as a potent source of cyanide ions, which can bind with metal ions, serving as a catalyst for several chemical reactions. Additionally, it is used in gold mining operations to extract gold from ores through a process called cyanidation.
However, the toxicity of potassium cyanide is a critical concern as it poses severe health risks when ingested, inhaled, or exposed to the skin. The compound is particularly hazardous due to its ability to interfere with cellular respiration, preventing cells from utilizing oxygen effectively. Exposure to even small amounts of potassium cyanide can rapidly result in respiratory failure, leading to severe injury or death.
Due to its potential use in illegal activities, potassium cyanide is a regulated substance in many countries, and its possession or use without proper authorization is illegal. The handling and disposal of this compound must be conducted with extreme care to prevent environmental contamination and potential harm to human health.
Common Misspellings for POTASSIUM CYANIDE
- ootassium cyanide
- lotassium cyanide
- -otassium cyanide
- 0otassium cyanide
- pitassium cyanide
- pktassium cyanide
- pltassium cyanide
- pptassium cyanide
- p0tassium cyanide
- p9tassium cyanide
- porassium cyanide
- pofassium cyanide
- pogassium cyanide
- poyassium cyanide
- po6assium cyanide
- po5assium cyanide
- potzssium cyanide
- potsssium cyanide
- potwssium cyanide
Etymology of POTASSIUM CYANIDE
The word "potassium cyanide" has its etymology (origin) rooted in the combination of two components: "potassium" and "cyanide".
1. Potassium: The term "potassium" derives from the English word "potash", which ultimately stems from the Middle Dutch word "potaschen", meaning "pot ashes". The word "potash" was used for a variety of alkaline substances obtained from the ashes of plants and was acquired by leaching wood or other vegetable matter in a pot of water. The element "potassium" itself was first isolated by English chemist Sir Humphry Davy in 1807.
2.ide: The term "cyanide" originates from the French word "cyanure", which in turn derives from the Greek word "kyanos", meaning "dark blue". It refers to a chemical compound that has a characteristic dark blue color when produced in a chemical reaction.
Similar spelling words for POTASSIUM CYANIDE
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