The beginning: Cyanide, Cyanogen
Definition:
cyanogen
n : a colorless toxic gas with a pungent almond odor; has been used in chemical warfare
Main Entry: cy·ano·gen
Pronunciation: sI-'an-&-j&n
Function: noun
1 : a monovalent group -CN present in cyanides
2 : a colorless flammable poisonous gas (CN)2
Terms:
The term cyanide refers to the anion CN-, or to its acidic form, hydrocyanic acid (HCN). Cyanogen (C2N2) is formed by the oxidation of cyanide ions; however, the term cyanogen has also come to refer to a substance that forms cyanide upon metabolism and produces the biological effects of free cyanide (the term cyanogen is from "cyano" and "gennan," Greek meaning "to produce"). A simple cyanide (HCN, NaCN) is a compound that dissociates to the cyanide anion (CN-) and a cation (H+, Na+). A nitrile is an organic compound that contains cyanide. A cyanogen usually refers to a nitrile that liberates the cyanide anion during metabolism and produces the biological effects of the cyanide anion. Cyanogens may be simple (cyanogen chloride) or complex (sodium nitroprusside).
Cyanides are also called "blood agents," an antiquated term still used by many in the military. At the time of the introduction of cyanide in World War I, the other chemical agents in use caused mainly local effects. Riot-control agents injured the skin and mucous membranes from direct contact, and phosgene damaged the lungs after inhalation. In contrast, inhaled cyanide produces systemic effects and was thought to be carried in the blood; hence the term "blood agent." The widespread distribution of absorbed nerve agents and vesicants via the blood invalidates this term as a specific designator for cyanide. Also, the use of "blood agent" also carries the connotation that the main site of action of cyanide is in the blood, whereas cyanide acts primarily outside the bloodstream.
cyanogen
n : a colorless toxic gas with a pungent almond odor; has been used in chemical warfare
Main Entry: cy·ano·gen
Pronunciation: sI-'an-&-j&n
Function: noun
1 : a monovalent group -CN present in cyanides
2 : a colorless flammable poisonous gas (CN)2
Terms:
The term cyanide refers to the anion CN-, or to its acidic form, hydrocyanic acid (HCN). Cyanogen (C2N2) is formed by the oxidation of cyanide ions; however, the term cyanogen has also come to refer to a substance that forms cyanide upon metabolism and produces the biological effects of free cyanide (the term cyanogen is from "cyano" and "gennan," Greek meaning "to produce"). A simple cyanide (HCN, NaCN) is a compound that dissociates to the cyanide anion (CN-) and a cation (H+, Na+). A nitrile is an organic compound that contains cyanide. A cyanogen usually refers to a nitrile that liberates the cyanide anion during metabolism and produces the biological effects of the cyanide anion. Cyanogens may be simple (cyanogen chloride) or complex (sodium nitroprusside).
Cyanides are also called "blood agents," an antiquated term still used by many in the military. At the time of the introduction of cyanide in World War I, the other chemical agents in use caused mainly local effects. Riot-control agents injured the skin and mucous membranes from direct contact, and phosgene damaged the lungs after inhalation. In contrast, inhaled cyanide produces systemic effects and was thought to be carried in the blood; hence the term "blood agent." The widespread distribution of absorbed nerve agents and vesicants via the blood invalidates this term as a specific designator for cyanide. Also, the use of "blood agent" also carries the connotation that the main site of action of cyanide is in the blood, whereas cyanide acts primarily outside the bloodstream.