Abstract

The industrially important cyanides are hydrogen cyanide; sodium, potassium, and lithium cyanide; ammonium cyanide; and calcium cyanide. These compounds have been variously used as poisons and fumigants, in electroplating baths, in extractive metallurgy, and in the synthesis of such diverse chemicals as pharmaceuticals, dyes, and chelating agents.

Hydrogen cyanide is the most used cyanide, and it is produced by the Andrussow process. The other cyanides are generally prepared by the neutralization or wet process. Compounds differ in reactivity, purity, price, and stability. Safe practices for handling these compounds are discussed.