MOLECULE

Hydrogen cyanide

Hydrogen cyanide, also known as cyanide or HCN, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as nitriles. Nitriles are compounds having the structure RC#N; thus C-substituted derivatives of hydrocyanic acid, HC#N. Hydrogen cyanide is a very weakly acidic compound (based on its pKa). Hydrogen cyanide exists in all living organisms, ranging from bacteria to humans. Hydrogen cyanide is a bitter tasting compound. Outside of the human body, Hydrogen cyanide has been detected, but not quantified in, several different foods, such as oil-seed camellia, amaranths, common thymes, summer grapes, and mung beans. This could make hydrogen cyanide a potential biomarker for the consumption of these foods. Hydrogen cyanide is weakly acidic with a pKa of 9.2. Hydrogen cyanide is a potentially toxic compound. Hydrogen cyanide is a linear molecule, with a triple bond between carbon and nitrogen. Oxygen therapy can also be administered. Skin contact with cyanide salts can irritate and produce sores. Hydrogen cyanide is expected to be in Cannabis as all living plants are known to produce and metabolize it.