AI overview
Potassium cyanide is an inorganic compound that is highly toxic to humans and animals. It has been used historically in mining and industrial processes, but is now primarily known for its extreme danger and potential misuse.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.
Article
Potassium cyanide is a compound with the formula KCN. It is a colorless salt, similar in appearance to sugar, that is highly soluble in water. Most KCN is used in gold mining, organic synthesis, and electroplating. Smaller applications include chemical gilding and buffing of jewelry. Potassium cyanide is highly toxic, and a dose of 200 to 300 milligrams will kill nearly any human.
The moist solid emits small amounts of hydrogen cyanide due to hydrolysis (reaction with water). Hydrogen cyanide is often described as having an odor resembling that of bitter almonds.