Một dự án của Lê Mai A Lê Mai project · go to lemai.com.vn

Hydrocyanic acid

Hydrogen cyanide

Hydrogen cyanide · Prussic acid

Inorganic acid · HCN

Chemical structure of Hydrocyanic acid
2D structure PubChem / NCI CIR

Chemical info

CAS number CAS
74-90-8
Molecular formula
HCN
Molecular weight
27.03 g/mol
Aroma
Characteristic almond odor, which cannot be used to detect contamination since it matches the parent oil.

Safety

Severely toxic · EU + Canada prohibited

Hydrocyanic acid is an extremely potent poison released from amygdalin during distillation of bitter almond oil. It is removed during production of bitter almond FFPA oil (free from prussic acid).

Routes of entry. Poisoning can occur by inhalation, ingestion or dermal absorption. Symptoms include rapid and labored breathing, paralysis, loss of consciousness, convulsions and death.

Human toxicity. The fatal dose for humans is considered to be about 50 mg, equivalent to 0.8 mg/kg for an adult. Exposure to 150 ppm for 30 to 60 minutes may endanger life. Death may occur from a few minutes' exposure to 300 ppm.

Oral and dermal. Acute subcutaneous LD50 in mice is 8.4 mg/kg. Dermal LD50 in rabbits is 7.0 mg/kg on intact skin and 2.3 mg/kg on abraded skin.

Usage guidelines

Regulatory status
EU prohibited in cosmetics, Canada prohibited in cosmetics
Food limit
1 mg/kg (UK + EC)
UK inhalation limit
5 mg/m³ long term, 10 mg/m³ short term
Human lethal dose
About 50 mg (0.8 mg/kg)

Found in essential oils

Principal sources
Almond, bitter (unrectified)2.0 – 4.0 %

Notes

Unrectified bitter almond oil contains hydrocyanic acid and is not used in cosmetics. The FFPA version has the toxin removed and is used as a food and cosmetic flavoring under tight regulation.