Lithium cyanide

Lithium cyanide is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula LiCN.

It is a toxic, white coloured, hygroscopic, water-soluble salt that finds only niche uses.

LiCN is produced from the reaction of lithium hydroxide and hydrogen cyanide.

A laboratory-scale preparation uses acetone cyanohydrin as a surrogate for HCN:[5] The compound decomposes to cyanamide and carbon when heated to a temperature close to but below 600 °C.

[6] Lithium cyanide can be used as a reagent for organic compound cyanation.

NFPA 704 four-colored diamond Health 4: Very short exposure could cause death or major residual injury. E.g. VX gas Flammability 0: Will not burn. E.g. water Instability 1: Normally stable, but can become unstable at elevated temperatures and pressures. E.g. calcium Special hazards (white): no code