Hydrogen Cyanide : New Study
Scientists have found hydrogen cyanide — a key molecule in the creation of life — in the oceans of Saturn’s icy moon Enceladus, according to a new study based on data from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Cassini spacecraft.
- Hydrogen cyanide is a colourless or pale-blue liquid or gas with a bitter, almond-like odour.
- It is also known as hydrocyanic acid or HCN.
- Hydrogen cyanide interferes with the body’s use of oxygen and may cause harm to the brain, heart, blood vessels, and lungs.
- It is an excellent solvent for many salts, but it is not widely used as a solvent because of its toxicity.
- It may be used in the workplace for fumigation, electroplating, mining, chemical synthesis, and the production of synthetic fibres, plastics, dyes, and pesticides.
