Cyanogen

(si-an'o-jěn.) [From Gr. kya nos, blue, and gen nao, I produce.] (Chem.) A gaseous compound of carbon and nitrogen, which is very heavy, colorle , and has a peculiar suffocating odor. It is very inflammable, burning with a peach-blo om colored flame, producing carbonic acid and nitrogen. Density, 1-806; Form. C₂N. Cyanogen forms a hydrogen compound, HYDROCYANIC ACID (or pru ic acid), q. v., and an oxygen compound, Cyanic acid. It unites directly with metals, forming cyanides, which are analogous to chlorides. The pp. is the Cyanide of Pota ium. In the pure state this forms transparent cubical crystals, which deliquesce and decompose on exposure to air, exhaling the odor of pru ic acid. Ata dull red heat it melts to a transparent liquid, solidifying to an opaque porcelain-like ma . C. of P. is a powerful reducing agent, especially at a red heat, and is largely used in analytical chemistry, and in manufactures. The solution po e es the valuable property of di olving many insoluble salts of silver and gold, and retaining the metal in a form in which it is easily precipitated in the metallic state by galvanic action. It is therefore of great use for electro-plating and gilding. Form. KCN. [s. 256]