Use of sodium cyanide
Sodium cyanide is highly toxic, but it is also useful in various fields.

In the metallurgical industry, sodium cyanide is often applied to the extraction of precious metals such as gold and silver. Because it can form soluble complexes with gold and silver, precious metals can be separated from ores. Taking gold ore as an example, after crushing and grinding gold-bearing pyrite and other ores, they are co-placed with sodium cyanide solution. Cyanide ions and gold ions are complexed to form gold cyanide complexes. After subsequent treatment, high-purity gold can be extracted. This process is efficient and greatly improves the collection rate of gold.

In the field of chemical synthesis, sodium cyanide is also an important raw material. It can be used to prepare a variety of organic compounds, such as nitriles. Nitriles can be hydrolyzed to produce carboxylic acids, or reduced to obtain amines, building a key bridge for organic synthesis. For example, in the preparation of acetonitrile, sodium cyanide reacts with halogenated ethane to generate acetonitrile efficiently, and acetonitrile is widely used in the pharmaceutical, fragrance synthesis and other industries.

Sodium cyanide is also commonly used in the electroplating industry. Adding sodium cyanide to the plating solution can improve the quality and uniformity of the electroplating layer. Cyanide ions are complexed with metal ions to control the deposition rate of metal ions, making the coating delicate and tight, enhancing its corrosion resistance and aesthetics. For example, in the copper plating process, an appropriate amount of sodium cyanide can ensure that the copper coating is evenly covered on the surface of the plating, improving the quality of the plating

However, it is necessary to keep in mind that sodium cyanide is extremely toxic and must be used in accordance with strict safety procedures. Proper disposal of waste is necessary to prevent harm to the environment and human health.