It is used in the manufacturing of metal polishes, acrylates, cyanide salts, dyes, rodenticides, pesticides, synthetic fibers, plastics, and electroplating solutions. It is used in metallurgical and photographic processes, and to produce cyanuric acid. It is an intermediate for methyl methacrylate, sodium cyanide, aminopolycarboxylic and acid chelating agents, and a raw material for nitriloacids. Hydrogen cyanide is used as a starting material for nylon 66. Hydrogen cyanide has a bitter, almond-like odor and bitter, burning taste.
Hydrogen cyanide is miscible with water and alcohol, and slightly soluble in ether.
It is incompatible or reactive with amines, oxidizers, acids, sodium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, caustics, and ammonia. It is intensely poisonous even when mixed with air, and is highly toxic to all species in water. Synonyms are hydrocyanic acid, prussic acid, aero liquid HCN, carbon hydride nitride, formic anammonide, and formonitrile. Massive doses may cause sudden loss of consciousness, asphyxiation, and death from respiratory arrest. Unconsciousness can also be followed by violent convulsions, paralysis, protruding eyeballs with dilated and unreactive pupils, and foaming mouth.