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Explanation of Structure

 

 

           Percentage Composition by Mass         Percent Composition by Number
                         60.04% Potassium                   33.45% Potassium
                         18.45% Carbon                   33.28% Carbon
                         21.51% Nitrogen                   33.26% Nitrogen

 

Bond Types

    KCN consist of an ionic single bond between the potassium and the carbon, as well as a covalent double bond between the carbon and nitrogen. 

 

Chemical Properties/Reaction Tendencies

   Potassium Cyanide is a white solid or colorless water solution that has a faint bitter almond smell.  reacts violently with acid, which produces hydrogen cyanide gas.  Reacting with water can also produce extremely harmful amounts of hydrogen cyanide.  As a solution, KCN is slightly soluble in ethanol.  When it is heated until decomposition, KCN emits highly toxic fumes.