Hydrogen cyanide antidotes

Hydrogen cyanide is extremely toxic hy ingestion, inhalation, skin absorption, and all routes of exposure. An oral dose of 50 mg could be lethal to humans (Patnaik, P. 1999. A Comprehensive Guide to the Hazardous Properties of Chemical Substances, 2nd ed.. New York John Wiley). Symptoms from acute poisoning include labored breathing, shortness of breath, paralysis, unconsciousness, and respiratory failure. Lower doses can cause headache, nausea and vomiting. Oral LDsoin mice is 3.7 mg/kg. Amyl nitrite is an effective antidote. 

Potassium cyanide is a dangerously toxic substance. Ingestion of 100 to 150 mg can cause collapse and cessation of breathing in humans. At lower doses, the acute effects are nausea, vomiting, headache, confusion and muscle weakness (Patnaik, P. 1999. A Comprehensive Guide to the Hazardous Properties of Chemical Substances, ed. pp. 292-294. New York John Wdey Sons). Contact with acid can liberate highly toxic vapors of hydrogen cyanide. Sodium thiosulfate and sodium sulfate have shown antidotal activity to KCN toxicity. 

Hydrogen cyanide can be purchased from Fumico Inc., Amarillo, Texas. When large amounts of HCN are used, it is recommended that amyl nitrite pearls and an oxygen cylinder with mask be available. These in combination are effective antidotes for HCN poisoning. The checkers prepared HCN according to the method of K. Ziegler.4 The use of smaller quantities of HCN results in slower reaction and reduced yield. 

TLV equals that of hydrogen cyanide. 10% hydrocyanic acid solution has flash point of 2° C and a vapor pressure of 226mm Hg at 20 C. Log P octanot/water is estimated, cial first aid required in the event of poisoning antidotes must be available (with instructions). Unbreakable packaging preferred if breakable, keep in unbreakable container. 

In medicines, it is a vasodilator, intestinal relaxant, bronchodila-tor, and an antidote to cyanide and hydrogen sulfide poisoning. 

Thisis due to hydrogen sulfide gas being generated in the stomach.lt is a bit unpleasant, but not dangerous. If you feel yourself developing the symptoms of cyanide poisoning, break an ampoule of amyl nitrite and inhale its contents. Seek medical attention. The foregoing does not mean that with the antidotes you can inhale fumes with impunity, only that you prob-... 

Hydrocyanic acid is most easily prepared from its potassium salt, K(CN), which is obtained principally by the decomposition of the complex double cyanides of iron as we shall soon consider. The acid is also obtained by the hydrolysis of certain glucosides, e.g., amygdalin, in bitter almonds. It is prepared synthetically by reactions to be discussed presently in connection with the constitution of it and its salts. It is a colorless liquid with a characteristic odor and burns with a violet flame. It boils at 26.1 and solidifies to crystals which melt at —14°. It is an extremely strong poison the best antidotes being chlorine and hydrogen dioxide. It is readily absorbed by metallic nickel which is thus used in gas masks for this purpose. It is stable in dry air but in presence of water is readily hydrolyzed yielding ammonia and formic acid as the chief products. 

Nitrites have been used as vasodilators, as circulatory (blood pressure) depressants, as antidotes for cyanide and hydrogen sulfide poisoning (amyl and sodium nitrites), and to relieve smooth muscle... 

---