What Are Some Common Uses Of Copper Cyanide?

Copper cyanide, also known as cuprous cyanide or copper(I) cyanide, is a chemical compound with the formula CuCN. It is a white to gray powder that is soluble in water and organic solvents.

One common use of copper cyanide is as a catalyst in organic chemistry reactions, particularly in the synthesis of nitriles from primary amines. It can also be used in electroplating solutions for depositing copper thin films.

In addition, copper cyanide has been used in the mining industry for extracting gold and silver from ores through a process called cyanidation. However, this use has become less common due to environmental concerns surrounding the use of cyanide compounds.

It is important to note that copper cyanide is toxic and poses a health hazard if not handled properly. It should only be used by trained professionals in appropriate laboratory settings or industrial processes.