Potassium cyanide (KCN) is a highly toxic, white crystalline compound that resembles sugar or salt in appearance. It is an inorganic compound composed of potassium ions (K⁺) and cyanide ions (CN⁻). Potassium cyanide is a highly toxic inorganic compound with the chemical formula KCN. It is a salt composed of the potassium cation (K⁺) and the cyanide anion (CN⁻). Structurally, it forms a crystalline solid similar to sodium chloride. The cyanide ion itself has a linear structure, with a triple bond between the carbon and nitrogen atoms (C≡N⁻). Potassium cyanide is a systematic toxicant that affects virtually every cell and organ in the body by interfering with the cell’s ability to utilize oxygen. Potassium cyanide is a cyanide salt containing equal numbers of potassium cations and cyanide anions. It has a role as an EC 1.9.3.1 (cytochrome c oxidase) inhibitor, an EC 1.15.1.1 (superoxide dismutase) inhibitor and a neurotoxin.
