An extremely toxic class of compounds that can be lethal on inhaling of ingesting in minute quantities.
A poison which kills very rapidly when drunk or inhaled.
A metabolic poison. It blocks the transport of reducing equivalents from complex III to com¬ plex IV of the respiratory chain in the mitochondria and blocks complex IV of oxidative phosphorylation.
A poisonous, colorless liquid with the odor of bitter almonds. Only a few milligrams of cyanide can be rapidly fatal to humans. Cyanide prevents the use of oxygen by body tissues, and if a large dose is consumed, death will occur almost immediately.
Any of the notoriously poisonous salts of hydrocyanic acid. Cyanides combine with and render inactive the enzyme; of the tissues responsible for cellular respiration, and therefore they kill extremely quickly; unconsciousness is followed by convulsions and death. Hydrogen cyanide vapor is fatal in less than a minute when inhaled. Sodium or potassium cyanide taken by mouth may also kill within minutes. Prompt treatment with amyl nitrite and sodium thiosulfate or cobalt EDTA may save life. Cyanides give off a smell of bitter almonds.
Salts of hydrocyanic or prussic acid. They are highly poisonous, and are also powerful antiseptics.
A compound containing the radical -CN, such as potassium cyanide (KCN), or sodium cyanide (NaCN).
Cyanides are a category of compounds composed of salts derived from hydrocyanic acid. Many of these substances are highly toxic, and their inhalation or ingestion can quickly result in respiratory distress, paralysis, loss of consciousness, and fatality. Some cyanides also possess irritant properties and can cause eye discomfort, making them components of tear gases utilized for riot control purposes. Due to their inherent dangers, cyanides require careful handling and must be strictly controlled to prevent accidental exposure and harm.