Hydrogen Cyanide

HCN

IUPAC: Hydrogen cyanide

CAS: 74-90-8

Overview

Hydrogen cyanide is an extremely toxic compound with a faint bitter almond odor. It inhibits cytochrome c oxidase, blocking cellular respiration.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Hydrogen H 1 1.0080
Carbon C 1 12.0110
Nitrogen N 1 14.0070

Elemental Composition

H
Hydrogen ×1
3.7%
C
Carbon ×1
44.4%
N
Nitrogen ×1
51.8%

Uses

  • • Gold/silver mining
  • • Nylon precursor (adiponitrile)
  • • Pesticide fumigant

Fun Facts

  • ✦ About 40% of people cannot detect HCN's bitter almond smell due to a genetic trait

Safety

  • ⚠ Extremely toxic
  • ⚠ Lethal at low concentrations
  • ⚠ Flammable

Structure

SMILES

C#N

Properties

Type
acid
State
liquid
Molar Mass
27.03 g/mol
Density
0.6870 g/cm³
Melting Point
-13.3 °C
Boiling Point
25.6 °C
Solubility
Miscible

Molecular Descriptors

Exact Mass
27.0109
XLogP
0.1
TPSA
23.8 Ų
H-Bond Donors
0
H-Bond Acceptors
1
Rotatable Bonds
0
Heavy Atoms
2
Complexity
10.0

Related Compounds

Acetic Acid

CH₃COOH

Boric Acid

H₃BO₃

Carbonic Acid

H₂CO₃

Chloric Acid

HClO₃

Chlorosulfonic Acid

ClSO₃H

Chlorous Acid

HClO₂

Hydrobromic Acid

HBr

Hydrochloric Acid

HCl

Hydrofluoric Acid

HF

Hydrogen Sulfide

H₂S

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hydrogen Cyanide?
Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN) is a acid compound with the IUPAC name Hydrogen cyanide.
What is the molecular weight of Hydrogen Cyanide?
Hydrogen Cyanide has a molar mass of 27.03 g/mol.
What state is Hydrogen Cyanide at room temperature?
Hydrogen Cyanide is a liquid at room temperature.
Is Hydrogen Cyanide organic or inorganic?
Hydrogen Cyanide is classified as an inorganic compound.
What elements make up Hydrogen Cyanide?
Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C), Nitrogen (N).