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Hydrogen cyanide

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Identification
Molecular formula
H2C1N1
CAS number
74-90-8
IUPAC name
formonitrile
State
State

At room temperature, hydrogen cyanide is typically found as a liquid due to its low boiling point. However, it can easily evaporate and exist as a gas, especially in warmer conditions. It is highly volatile and can be absorbed through the respiratory tract, skin, and mucous membranes.

Melting point (Celsius)
-13.40
Melting point (Kelvin)
259.75
Boiling point (Celsius)
26.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
299.15
General information
Molecular weight
27.03g/mol
Molar mass
27.0260g/mol
Density
0.6870g/cm3
Appearence

Hydrogen cyanide is a colorless liquid at room temperature that boils slightly above room temperature, at 26 °C (78.8 °F). It has a faint, bitter, almond-like odor. Note that not everyone can detect the smell due to a genetic trait. Its appearance can sometimes be misleading as it is a potent chemical with significant toxicity even at low concentrations.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Formonitrile (H2C1N1)

Formonitrile, with the chemical formula H2C1N1, exhibits unique solubility characteristics that are worth noting:

  • Polar Nature: The presence of a nitrogen atom in the structure contributes to its polar characteristics, allowing for interactions with polar solvents.
  • Solvent Compatibility: Formonitrile is generally soluble in polar organic solvents such as methanol, ethanol, and water, but it may have limited solubility in non-polar solvents.
  • Temperature Influence: The solubility may vary with temperature, as is typical for many small organic molecules—often increasing at higher temperatures.

In conclusion, when considering the solubility of formonitrile, it’s essential to account for its polar nature and the solvents used. This compound is particularly suitable for applications involving polar solutions, making it an interesting candidate in various chemical processes.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Formonitrile

Formonitrile, often recognized for its significance in organic synthesis, is a fascinating compound with several noteworthy characteristics. Below are some engaging insights:

  • Chemical Significance: Formonitrile acts as a key intermediate in the synthesis of various organic compounds. Its nitrile group contributes to the rich chemistry surrounding functional groups and their transformations.
  • Natural Occurrence: This compound can be found in small quantities in certain plants, highlighting its role in natural metabolic processes.
  • Reactivity: Due to the presence of the nitrile functional group, it is known to participate in important reactions such as nucleophilic additions, making it a critical component in synthetic organic chemistry.
  • Uses in Industry: Formonitrile is used in the production of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and various specialized materials, showcasing its versatility in industrial applications.

One of the most intriguing aspects of formonitrile is its role in the synthesis of other more complex molecules. As stated by renowned chemists, "Understanding simple compounds often leads to breakthroughs in more complex chemical design." This highlights the importance of studying even the simplest compounds in the quest for innovation and advancement in the field of chemistry.

Moreover, formonitrile represents an excellent example of how seemingly simple chemical structures can yield profound effects in various applications, reinforcing the interconnectedness of chemical knowledge and practical utility.

Synonyms
hydrogen cyanide
hydrocyanic acid
Formonitrile
Prussic acid
Cyanwasserstoff
Blausaeure
Formic anammonide
Zaclondiscoids
Evercyn
Cyclon
74-90-8
Cyclone B
Aero Liquid HCN
Agent AC
Cyaanwaterstof
Blauwzuur
Cyjanowodor
Acido cianidrico
Acide cyanhydrique
methanenitrile
Caswell No. 483
Graphitic Carbon Nitride
Hydrogen cyanide [ISO]
hydridonitridocarbon
RCRA waste number P063
Blausaeure [German]
Carbon hydride nitride (CHN)
HSDB 165
143334-20-7
HCN
UN 1051
hydrogen(nitridocarbonate)
EINECS 200-821-6
[CHN]
UNII-2WTB3V159F
AC [Cyanide]
EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 045801
AI3-31100-X
BRN 1718793
2WTB3V159F
CHEBI:18407
Acide cyanhydrique [ISO-French]
Carbon nitride (C3N4)
HYDROCYANICUM ACIDUM
Zyklon B
CHEMBL183419
DTXSID9024148
EC 200-821-6
AC (CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENT)
AC (Cyanide)
Blausaeure (German)
(CHN)
Blauwzuur [Dutch]
Cyjanowodor [Polish]
Acide cyanhydrique (ISO-French)
Cyaanwaterstof [Dutch]
Cyanwasserstoff [German]
Acido cianidrico [Italian]
Acid, Hydrocyanic
Cyanide, Hydrogen
Acide cyanhydrique [French]
NA1613
UN1051
UN1613
UN1614
UN3294
RCRA waste no. P063
Zootic acid
Nitrilomethane #
Prussic acid, anhydrous, stabilized
Carbon hydride nitride
Hydrocyanic acid, anhydrous, stabilized
Hydrogen cyanide, anhydrous, stabilized
Prussic acid, unstabilized
UN 1613 (Salt/Mix)
UN 1614 (Salt/Mix)
HYDROGEN CYANIDE [MI]
Hydrocyanic acid (prussic), unstabilized [Forbidden]
DTXCID004148
HYDROGEN CYANIDE [HSDB]
HYDROGEN CYANIDE [WHO-DD]
HYDROCYANICUM ACIDUM [HPUS]
TFA33420
BDBM50152968
Hydrocyanic acid, anhydrous, stabilized, absorbed in a porous inert material
Hydrogen cyanide, anhydrous, stabilized, absorbed in a porous inert material
Prussic acid, anhydrous, stabilized, absorbed in a porous inert material
NA 1051
Hydrocyanic acid (prussic), unstabilized
CHN
CS-0621744
Hydrogen cyanide, stabilized with <3% water
NS00077168
C01326
Q3416481
Graphitic carbon nitride, 99%, length: 1 - 10 mum
hydridonitridocarbonhydrogen(nitridocarbonate)methanenitrile
Hydrogen cyanide, stabilized with <3% water [UN1051] [Poison]
Hydrogen cyanide, stabilized, with <3% water and absorbed in a porous inert material
200-821-6
Hydrogen cyanide, stabilized, with <3% water and absorbed in a porous inert material [UN1614] [Poison]