Lithium cyanide
Lithium cyanide is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula LiCN. It is a white, hygroscopic, water-soluble powder that finds only niche uses.Preparation
LiCN arises from the interaction of lithium hydroxide and hydrogen cyanide. A laboratory-scale preparation uses acetone cyanohydrin as a surrogate for HCN:Reactions
The compound decomposes to cyanamide and carbon when heated to a temperature close to but below 600°C. Acids react to give hydrogen cyanide.
Lithium cyanide can be used as a reagent for cyanation.
