A cyanide is any chemical compound that contains monovalent combining group CN. This group, known as the cyano group, consists of a carbon atom triple-bonded to a nitrogen atom.In inorganic cyanides, such as sodium cyanide, NaCN, this group is present as the negatively-charged polyatomic cyanide ion (CN-); these compounds, which are regarded as salts of hydrocyanic acid, are highly toxic. The cyanide ion is isoelectronic with carbon monoxide and with molecular nitrogen.Most cyanides are highly toxic.
Cyanide toxicity is generally considered to be a rare form of poisoning; however, cyanide exposure occurs relatively frequently in patients with smoke inhalation from residential or industrial fires.
Cyanide poisoning also may occur in industry, particularly in the metal trades, mining, electroplating, jewelry manufacturing, and radiographic film recovery. It is also encountered in fumigation of ships, warehouses, and other structures. Cyanides are also used as suicidal agents, particularly among health-care and laboratory workers, and they can potentially be used in a terrorist attack
Effects of cyanide consumption
Chronic consumption of cyanide-containing foods eventually can result in ataxia and optic neuropathy. Defective cyanide metabolism due to rhodanese deficiency may explain development of Leber optic atrophy, leading to subacute blindness. Cyanide also may cause some of the adverse effects associated with chronic smoking, such as tobacco amblyopia.
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