hydrogen cyanide

1. Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) is a highly toxic, colorless, and volatile liquid or gas with a faint bitter almond odor. It is known for its rapid toxicity in humans and animals by inhibiting cellular respiration.

Key Facts

• Hydrogen cyanide is highly toxic and interferes with oxygen use at the cellular level.
• Released when plant enzymes break down cyanogenic glycosides during digestion.
• It acts by inhibiting cytochrome c oxidase, blocking ATP (energy) production.
• Cyanide poisoning can occur through inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption.
• Some foods (e.g., bitter almonds, cassava, and cherry pits) contain small amounts of cyanogenic compounds but are generally safe in normal consumption levels.