What is Prussic Acid?
Prussic acid, also known as hydrogen cyanide or HCN, is a chemical compound both useful and dangerous. Although it is naturally present in some plants, prussic acid can also be synthesized through a variety of chemical processes. While the substance is useful in many industries, it is also deadly poisonous to humans and has been used as a chemical weapon. The acid was first discovered by scientist Carl Scheele in the 1780s, who would also discover and describe several elements. It was later examine by Joseph Gay-Lussac in the early 19th century and began being used in mining. Early processes for obtaining quantities of prussic acid included holding ammonia over heated coal and combining coal, ammonia and sodium and mixing it with an acid solution, which produces HCN gas. The uses of prussic acid in industry are varied. Engraving, explosives and dye processes all make use of HCN. Historically, it has also been used in vermin or insect poisons, but has recently been replaced with materia
A consortium of four land grant universities that serve the Northern Great Plains region lead this effort. The universities include South Dakota State University, North Dakota State University, Montana State University, and the University of Wyoming. These institutions will implement research and extension programs that integrate crop and livestock resources in the semi-arid Northern Great Plains. Sudangrass, sorghum, and sorghum-sudangrass hybrids are among a group of plants that produce cyanide, which can poison livestock under certain conditions. Also included in this group of plants are johnsongrass, chokecherry, and black cherry. These plants produce cyanogenic glycosides during their growing stage. Glycosides are compounds containing a carbohydrate (sugar) and a noncarbohydrate residue in the same molecule. They decompose (breakdown) into glucose sugar and noncarbohydrate residue by hydrolysis (addition of water) as a result of enzymatic action. In cyanogenic plants this decompos
Prussic acid is another term for cyanide. Cyanogenetic plants, those known for producing prussic acid, produce cyanide molecules while growing. Under optimal conditions the cyanide molecules are chemically bonded to sugars known as glucosides and are not toxic. But problems begin when the glycosides are broken down, thus releasing the cyanide molecules through a process called hydrolysis (the addition of water). Freed prussic acid molecules are quickly absorbed into the blood stream and are fatal if the concentration is high enough. SYMPTOMS Death from prussic acid poisoning can occur quickly – within 15 to 20 minutes and seldom takes longer than 30 to 45 minutes. The prussic acid enters the blood stream and combines with hemoglobin to form cyanoglobin which inhibits the ability of cells to take up oxygen from the blood. An effected animal’s blood and normally pink tissues (like gums) will appear bright red. Symptoms include labored breathing, staggering, foaming at the mouth, falling
