Open systems. Despite its toxicity, cyanide is used extensively in some industries. Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and its conjugate base, cyanide ion (CN-) are relatively harmless in solution (assuming that none of the workers drink the water!), but hydrocyanic acid (HCN) can be dangerous if it enters the gas phase and is inhaled. A solution contains 2mg/L total cyanide (TOTCN) and is at pH 8.5.
(a) What is the concentration of HCN(aq) in the solution? (b) What would the partial pressure of HCN(g) be in the gas phase, if the gas equilibrated with the solution?

Question

Open systems.  Despite its toxicity, cyanide is used extensively in some industries. Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and its conjugate base, cyanide ion (CN-) are relatively harmless in solution (assuming that none of the workers drink the water!), but hydrocyanic acid (HCN) can be dangerous if it enters the gas phase and is inhaled. A solution contains 2mg/L total cyanide (TOTCN) and is at pH 8.5. 
(a) What is the concentration of HCN(aq) in the solution? (b) What would the partial pressure of HCN(g) be in the gas phase, if the gas equilibrated with the solution?

Unlock all answers

Related textbook solutions

Basic Chemistry

Principles of Chemistry Molecular Approach

Principles of Chemistry Molecular Approach

Chemistry: Structure and Properties

Chemistry: A Molecular Approach

Chemistry: A Molecular Approach

Principles of Chemistry: A Molecular Approach

Chemistry: The Central Science

Weekly leaderboard