Basic Chemical Properties and Reaction Tendencies

-         Hydrogen Cyanide evaporates at roughly the rate of tap water

-         HCN gas forms explosive mixtures with air and can be ignited though an electrical spark, gunfire, or any other high heat producing reaction

-         Upon the mixture of Hydrocyanic acid with any other acid HCN gas is released.

-         HCN gas dissipates quickly, making it hard to get a lethal concentration outdoors. 

-         When HCN come into contact with alkaline materials, the HCN can polymerize or decompose explosively

-         The gas will react with water, steam, acid, or acid fumes to produce highly toxic cyanide fumes.

-         HCN can cause an explosion through contact with oxidizers. 

Solvents of HCN

HCN dissolves

-easily in alcohol

-slightly in ether

-in water

Antidotes for mild HCN poisoning

-Magnesia in water followed by tincture of chloride of iron or sulfate of iron in water

-chlorinated lime (bleaching powder)

-inhalation of ammonia

-artificial respiration

-oxygen

-Sodium nitrite

-sodium thiosulfate

-Amyl nitrite