KCN

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KCN

Potassium Cyanide (KCN)

Potassium cyanide is a white crystalline substance that is highly toxic and hygroscopic. LZD produces it at its plant in Kolín. Under the DrumPak brand, it is supplied in tablet and granular form, packed in drums with a net weight of 50 kg or 25 kg.

Industrial Applications of Potassium Cyanide (KCN)

Gold and Silver Mining
Potassium cyanide is used in the cyanidation process to extract gold and silver from ores. This involves dissolving the metals in a cyanide solution to form potassium dicyanoaurate or potassium dicyanoargentate, enabling their subsequent separation.

Chemical Industry
KCN serves as a raw material for the production of various chemicals, including plastics and synthetic fibers. It is also used in the manufacture of dyes and pesticides.

Electroplating
Potassium cyanide is used in electroplating processes to enhance the durability and appearance of metals. Sodium cyanide is primarily used for gold and silver plating.

Laboratory Applications
In laboratories, KCN is used as a reagent in various chemical reactions and analyses.

Wastewater Treatment
In some cases, potassium cyanide is used to neutralize wastewater containing cyanides, reducing its toxicity.

Nucleophilic Substitution
KCN is commonly used as a nucleophile in substitution reactions, replacing halogens in alkyl halides to form nitriles.

Amino Acid Synthesis
KCN can be used in the synthesis of amino acids and other biologically active compounds due to its ability to react with aldehydes and ketones.

Synthesis of Heterocyclic Compounds
In organic synthesis, KCN is employed in the preparation of heterocyclic compounds, which are important in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.

Reactions with Carbonyl Compounds
Potassium cyanide reacts with carbonyl compounds (such as aldehydes and ketones) to form cyanohydrins, which are key intermediates in chemical synthesis.

Polymer Synthesis
KCN is also utilized in certain polymer production processes, where it acts as an initiator or catalyst.