User:Kyuuketsuki/Cyanide

This stuff would be good in an infobox as it probably will get reused on several pages

Structure: Posted Image

Chemical Formula: KCN

Appearance: White crystalline powder Spoiler image from Wikipedia

LOAEL (lowest observable adverse effect level): 1.2mg/kg

LD50: ~200-300mg/kg

T1/2: 20min - 1hr (conversion from Cyanide to thiocyanate)

End stuff that would be good in an infobox

ADME

Absorption

Inhalation of airborn crystals (or of HCN after hydrolysis reaction occurs), ingestion, injection (IV), skin absorption

Distribution

KCN is distributed by the cardiovascular system (through the blood) It has a higher affinity for Red Blood Cells than plasma.

Excretion

72% excretion by feces and urine, 25% through exhalation, 3% retained in one month. Urine is the primary method after cyanide is converted into thiocyanate, which usually occurs in the first 24h of exposure. Sweat and saliva via HPA

Metabolism

The cyanide ion (just the CN^-) is conjugated with Sulphur, which creates the anion thiocyanate (SCN^-). This reaction is catalyzed by the enzyme Rhodanese. Rhodanese is produced in MOST ANIMAL TISSUES, so this reaction need not occur in the liver or in the kidneys. It does need the cofactor sulphane-sulfer (via HPA) for this conversion to occur. After its conversion to thiocyanate, it is in such a form that it can be excreted through the urine.

Note: This works for ALL forms of Cyanide! I know other forms of Cyanide have been used by Gosho, but due to the metabolism and mechanism (next section) being identical, I won't do the others unless I find *significant* differences between the forms of cyanide.

Note 2: All forms of cyanide are converted into HCN when ingested. The acid of the stomach creates a hydrolysis reaction that converts it.

Translation for lay people

KCN becomes K⁺ and CN^-. The cyanide reacts with sulphur in the biological system. This is aided by Rhodanese enzyme, which makes this reaction occur faster. After the reaction is done, it is thiocyanate (SCN^-). Thiocyanate can be excreted through the urine, thus being expelled.

Mechanism of toxicity (aka: how it kills you)

Real life

In reality: Cyanide has an affinity for iron in ferric state (Fe³⁺). This allows it to react with the iron in cytochrome c oxidase in the mitochondria of cells. This interaction blocks cytochrome c's ability to participate in the electron transfers that are involved in cellular respiration. This blocks the cell's utilization of oxygen. Basically what happens is that the Cyanide takes the place of the cytochrome c oxidase's open site for electrons, which would be transferred to oxygen allowing the oxygen to be converted to water for use within the biological system which is for the creation of ATP.

Non technical explanation

Cyanide interacts with iron, iron interacts with enzyme involved in cellular respiration, this prevents electron transfer between enzyme and oxygen, preventing oxygen from being utilized in cellular respiration. This stops cellular respiration and thus oxygen is not used. This naturally leads to death.

As described by Gosho

The original Japanese for the 'electron signaling' is 電子伝達系, which directly translates to 'electron transfer system'.. Gosho is accurate.

External links

• Toxnet: A compound searchable Unites States National Library of Medicine reference page.