| Formula / Notation | KCN |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 151-50-8 |
| Molecular Weight | 65.116 |
| Melting Point | 1173 °F (EPA, 1998) |
| Boiling Point | Very high (USCG, 1999) |
| Density | 1.52 at 60.8 °F (EPA, 1998) - Denser than water; will sink |
| Solubility | 72 % at 77 °F (NIOSH, 2024) |
| Appearance | Potassium cyanide appears as white amorphous lumps or a crystalline mass with a faint odor of bitter almonds. Density 1.52 g / cm3 Toxic by skin absorption through open wounds, by ingestion. Heatin... |
| Also Known As | 151-50-8; Cyanide of potassium; kalium cyanid; Potassium cyanide (K(CN)); RCRA waste number P098; Cyanure de potassium; Hydrocyanic acid, potassium salt; M-44 capsules (potassium cyanide); MQD255M2ZO; EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 599600 |
| Category | Inorganic Compounds |
What is Potassium cyanide?
Potassium cyanide is a cyanide salt containing equal numbers of potassium cations and cyanide anions. It has a role as an EC 1.15.1.1 (superoxide dismutase) inhibitor, an EC 1.9.3.1 (cytochrome c oxidase) inhibitor and a neurotoxin. It is a potassium salt, a cyanide salt and a one-carbon compound.
Formula & Notation
IUPAC Name: potassium cyanide
Other Names / Synonyms: 151-50-8; Cyanide of potassium; kalium cyanid; Potassium cyanide (K(CN)); RCRA waste number P098; Cyanure de potassium; Hydrocyanic acid, potassium salt; M-44 capsules (potassium cyanide); MQD255M2ZO; EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 599600
Properties & Characteristics
Physical Data
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Melting Point | 1173 °F (EPA, 1998) |
| Boiling Point | Very high (USCG, 1999) |
| Density | 1.52 at 60.8 °F (EPA, 1998) - Denser than water; will sink |
| Molecular Weight | 65.116 |
| Solubility | 72 % at 77 °F (NIOSH, 2024) |
| Appearance | Potassium cyanide appears as white amorphous lumps or a crystalline mass with a faint odor of bitter almonds. Density 1.52 g / cm3 Toxic by skin absorption through open wounds, by ingestion. Heatin... |
Uses & Applications
Safety Information
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Potassium cyanide is a cyanide salt containing equal numbers of potassium cations and cyanide anions. It has a role as an EC 1.15.1.1 (superoxide dismutase) inhibitor, an EC 1.9.3.1 (cytochrome c oxidase) inhibitor and a neurotoxin. It is a potassium salt, a cyanide salt and a one-carbon compound.
Used in industrial processes, materials science, semiconductor manufacture, ceramics, or as a catalyst.
May be corrosive, toxic, or an oxidising agent. Handle in well-ventilated area. Consult SDS before use.
The formula or notation for Potassium cyanide is: KCN