Sciencemadness Discussion Board

Test Potassium Cyanide

derouted - 17-12-2012 at 17:44

I have a substance which I believe to be potassium cyanide. How can I test to verify this?

cyanureeves - 17-12-2012 at 17:49

iron sulphate? just put a nail in sulfuric acid and pour some on the cyanide and it will turn a beautiful blue. how much do you have?can you make a video of gold or silver being dossolved by cyanide?you will be the first on the internet for many many people.what does it smell like?



[Edited on 12-18-2012 by cyanureeves]

kristofvagyok - 17-12-2012 at 17:54

The most common test for cyanide is the prussian blue test. Add some iron(II)-sulfate and some iron(III) chloride to a DILUTE solution of the unknown compound, then add a LITTLE acid. If cyanide is present a blue coloration will occur.

The sensitivity of the test is described as low as 1µg.

Manifest - 21-12-2012 at 04:34

Eat it and see!

kristofvagyok - 21-12-2012 at 13:41

Quote: Originally posted by Manifest  
Eat it and see!


Person named Prasad who committed suicide in India tasted poison cyanide. "Doctors, potassium cyanide. I have tasted it. It burns the tongue and tastes acrid," he wrote, according to the paper. -http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/suicide-note-reveals-taste-of-cyanide/2006/07/08/1152240534587.html

P.S.: don't try it out.