Sodium cyanide

Structural formula of sodium cyanide

Sodium cyanide is an inorganic compound with the formula NaCN. It is a white, water-soluble solid that is highly toxic. Sodium cyanide is used in various industrial processes, including gold mining, electroplating, and chemical synthesis.

Chemical properties

Sodium cyanide is a salt composed of sodium cations (Na_) and cyanide anions (CN_). It is a highly reactive compound that can release hydrogen cyanide gas when it comes into contact with acids. The chemical reaction is as follows:

NaCN + H_ _ HCN + Na_

This reaction is particularly dangerous because hydrogen cyanide is a volatile and extremely poisonous gas.

Uses

Gold mining

Sodium cyanide is used in gold mining

Sodium cyanide is predominantly used in the mining industry to extract gold and other precious metals from ores. The process, known as cyanidation, involves dissolving gold from the ore using a cyanide solution. The gold is then recovered from the solution by various methods, such as zinc precipitation or carbon adsorption.

Electroplating

In the electroplating industry, sodium cyanide is used as a source of cyanide ions for the deposition of metals such as gold, silver, and copper onto surfaces. The cyanide ions help to dissolve the metal salts and facilitate the plating process.

Chemical synthesis

Sodium cyanide is also used in the synthesis of various organic and inorganic compounds. It serves as a precursor to many chemicals, including cyanogen chloride, cyanuric chloride, and various nitriles.

Toxicity

Sodium cyanide is highly toxic to humans and animals. It inhibits cellular respiration by binding to the iron in cytochrome c oxidase, a key enzyme in the electron transport chain. This prevents cells from using oxygen, leading to cellular asphyxiation and rapid death if not treated promptly.

Symptoms of sodium cyanide poisoning include headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, and loss of consciousness. Immediate medical attention is required in cases of suspected cyanide poisoning.

Safety measures

Due to its high toxicity, sodium cyanide must be handled with extreme care. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, goggles, and respirators should be used when handling the compound. In industrial settings, proper ventilation and emergency response plans are essential to prevent accidental exposure.

Related pages

• Cyanide
• Hydrogen cyanide
• Gold mining
• Electroplating