Sodium cyanide
Sodium cyanide is an extremely toxic chemical compound with the chemical formula NaCN. It is a white solid substance that dissolves easily in water. Sodium cyanide is used in various industrial processes, but due to its toxic nature, it must be handled with extreme caution. ### Historical Background Sodium cyanide was first discovered in the 19th century. The process of synthesizing it was developed by the German chemist Robert Bunsen. Since then, it has been used in various industrial and chemical processes. ### Industrial Uses 1. **Mining**: The largest use of sodium cyanide is in the mining of gold and silver. It is used to extract these metals from their ores. 2. **Chemical Industry**: It is also used in the production of various chemical compounds, such as pharmaceuticals, dyes, and plastics. 3. **Pesticides**: In the past, sodium cyanide was used as a pesticide, but its use has significantly declined. ### Toxicity Sodium cyanide is highly toxic. When it enters the body...
