Caesium cyanide

Cesium cyanide (chemical formula: CsCN) is the cesium salt of hydrogen cyanide. It is a white solid, easily soluble in water, with a smell reminiscent of bitter almonds, and with crystals similar in appearance to sugar. Caesium cyanide has chemical properties similar to potassium cyanide and is very toxic.

Cesium cyanide

Names
IUPAC name Cesium cyanide
Identifiers
CAS Number	21159-32-0 Y
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image
ChemSpider	67139952
PubChem CID	101925428
InChI InChI=1S/CN.Cs/c1-2;/q-1;+1 Key: XTCPEYCUFMHXBI-UHFFFAOYSA-N
SMILES [C-]#N.[Cs+]
Properties
Chemical formula	CCsN
Molar mass	158.923 g·mol−1
Appearance	White solid
Melting point	350 °C (662 °F; 623 K)
Hazards
Occupational safety and health (OHS/OSH):
Main hazards	Extremely toxic
NFPA 704 (fire diamond)	4 0 0
Lethal dose or concentration (LD, LC):
LD50 (median dose)	5 mg/kg[1]
Related compounds
Other cations	Lithium cyanide Sodium cyanide Potassium cyanide Rubidium cyanide Ammonium cyanide
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). Infobox references

Production

Hydrogen cyanide reacts with cesium hydroxide giving cesium cyanide and water:^[2]

HCN + CsOH → CsCN + H₂O