What Is Cyanic Acid?
Cyanic acid, with the molecular formula HOCN and a molecular weight of 43.025, is known for its isomeric structures, isocyanic acid (H-N=C=O), and fulminic acid (HO-N=C:). It exists as a liquid or gas at room temperature, with a boiling point of 23.5°C, and has an odor similar to acetic acid. Slightly soluble in water, it is a slightly stronger acid than acetic acid.
Cyanic acid is produced by heating cyanuric acid in an inert gas atmosphere and rapidly cooling and collecting the resulting gas.
Uses of Cyanic Acid
Cyanic acid’s cyano group makes it a valuable starting material in the synthesis of biologically important organic compounds. Its uses include:
- Synthesis of inorganic cyanides, such as sodium cyanide.
- Production of chemicals like methyl methacrylate, hexamethylenediamine, lactic acid and its esters, alpha-amino acids, and polyamino carboxylic acids like EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid).
- Use in insecticides.
Historically, hydrogen cyanide, a related compound, has been used as a chemical weapon and insecticide.