Cyanogen

The cyanogen (in English cyanogen or carbon nitride ) is a colorless gas to which the odor is close to that of almond.

Another direction of the word: adjective characterizing the property to cause a Cyanosite (" blueing of the peau") by reduction in the oxygenation of blood. One speaks for example about Cardiopathie congenital cyanogen .

Properties

Chemical formula (CN) 2 (N≡C-C≡N).

molar Mass 52.04 g.mol-1

Density of vapor 1.8 (air=1)

Temperature of autocombustion: >650 degrees c

It is water soluble

It reacts with the strong acids and oxidants (Ozone, monoxide of chlorine, Chlorate S, Nitrate S, Nitrite S, Fluor) and can thus involve an explosion (from where a possible use as Propergol for the rockets).

The cyanogen is polymerized under the action of ultraviolet rays in a black solid (paracyanogen (CN) x), which, heated into isolation, transforms itself into cyanogen by a limited and reversible reaction.

History

The cyanogen was probably synthesized for the first time by Carl Wilhelm Scheele in 1782. In 1802, it is used to produce Chlorure of cyanogen.

In 1815, Louis Joseph Gay-Lussac studies the compounds of the series of cyanogen. It notes that, in all its experiments, CN remains unchanged that it names the radical cyanogen.

Since the end of the 19th century (and still nowadays) it is used as precursor of many manures: one finds it in drinking water has extremely weak concentrations.

The cyanogen is also used in the production of Nitrocellulose.

Preparation

One can obtain cyanogen in laboratory by heating with the red of the Cyanure of mercury or a mixture of alkaline cyanide and chloride mercuric. It is linked with the Hydrogène to give the Hydrocyanic acid .

Fuel, it burns by giving Azote and, according to the quantity of Oxygène, of the Carbonic gas or the Carbon monoxide. Its hydration is catalyzed by the acids and provides various products.

In the presence of bases, the cyanogen reacts like a Halogène and gives a mixture of salts of Hydracide and oxygenated acid:

(CN) 2 + 2KOH → KCN + KOCN + H2O

Effects of an exposure

The cyanogen is a very toxic gas: it is metabolized in Cyanure and inhibits the action of the Hémoglobine and especially of the Cytochrome Oxydase, final Enzyme of the Respiration oxygenated.

Its handling requires a protection for the eyes and the use of a self-rescuer. A inhalation causes serious disorders being able to go until the respiratory stop and death.

The risks related to ingestion are not well-known.

Composed

  • Iodide of cyanogen

  • Bromide of cyanogen
  • Chloride cyanogen

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