SODIUM CYANIDE Meaning and
Definition
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Sodium cyanide is a toxic inorganic compound that is composed of sodium (Na) and cyanide (CN). It is commonly represented by the chemical formula NaCN. Sodium cyanide is a white crystalline powder or solid, and it has a faint bitter almond-like odor.
This compound is highly soluble in water, and its dissolution in water can release highly toxic hydrogen cyanide gas. Due to this property, sodium cyanide is extremely dangerous and poses severe health hazards, including potentially fatal effects on the respiratory system and the central nervous system.
Sodium cyanide is predominantly used in various industrial processes, such as gold and silver mining, electroplating, and chemical synthesis. In gold and silver mining, sodium cyanide is frequently used as a leaching agent to extract precious metals from ore. It forms complex ions with gold and silver, facilitating their dissolution and subsequent separation from the ore.
Given its extreme toxicity and potential misuse, strict regulations and safety protocols govern the production, handling, and disposal of sodium cyanide. The compound is classified as a highly hazardous substance, and its use generally requires specialized training and protective equipment.
Due to its hazardous nature, sodium cyanide is subject to strict regulations globally to prevent its unauthorized release into the environment or misuse for criminal activities. Proper handling, storage, and disposal of sodium cyanide are critical to ensure the safety of workers, communities, and the environment.
Common Misspellings for SODIUM CYANIDE
- aodium cyanide
- zodium cyanide
- xodium cyanide
- dodium cyanide
- eodium cyanide
- wodium cyanide
- sidium cyanide
- skdium cyanide
- sldium cyanide
- spdium cyanide
- s0dium cyanide
- s9dium cyanide
- sosium cyanide
- soxium cyanide
- socium cyanide
- sofium cyanide
- sorium cyanide
- soeium cyanide
- soduum cyanide
Etymology of SODIUM CYANIDE
The word "sodium" comes from the Latin word "sodanum", which refers to a headache remedy made from sodium carbonate. The term "sodium" itself originated from the Arabic word "suda", meaning headache. "Cyanide" comes from the Greek word "kyanos", which means dark blue due to its color. The word "cyanide" was first used in the mid-19th century to describe compounds containing the cyanide radical (-CN). Thus, the term "sodium cyanide" refers to the compound formed by sodium (Na) and the cyanide radical.
Similar spelling words for SODIUM CYANIDE
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