What is the Chemical Formula and Molecular Weight of Sodium Cyanide?

What is the Chemical Formula and Molecular Weight of Sodium Cyanide? sodium cyanide chemical formula molecular weight molar mass No. 1picture

Sodium cyanide is a compound that has both industrial applications and significant safety implications due to its high toxicity. In this article, we'll answer the common questions regarding its chemical formula and molecular weight.

What is the Chemical Formula of Sodium Cyanide?

The chemical formula of sodium cyanide is NaCN. This formula is derived from the combination of sodium (Na⁺) and the cyanide ion (CN⁻). Sodium, an alkali metal, readily donates one electron to achieve a stable electron configuration, forming a positively charged ion. The cyanide ion, on the other hand, consists of a carbon atom triple - bonded to a nitrogen atom and carries a negative charge. When sodium and cyanide ions combine, they form an ionic compound, Sodium Cyanide, with the formula NaCN.

How is the Molecular Weight of Sodium Cyanide Calculated?

To calculate the molecular weight (also known as molar mass) of Sodium cyanide, we need to consider the atomic weights of the elements that make up the compound.

  • The atomic weight of sodium (Na) is approximately 22.99 g/mol.

  • The atomic weight of carbon (C) is about 12.01 g/mol.

  • The atomic weight of nitrogen (N) is around 14.01 g/mol.

For sodium cyanide (NaCN), since there is one sodium atom, one carbon atom, and one nitrogen atom in each formula unit, the molecular weight is calculated as follows:

Molecular weight of NaCN = (Atomic weight of Na) + (Atomic weight of C) + (Atomic weight of N)

= 22.99 g/mol + 12.01 g/mol + 14.01 g/mol

= 49.01 g/mol

So, the molecular weight of sodium cyanide is approximately 49.01 g/mol.

Sodium cyanide, with its specific chemical formula and molecular weight, is widely used in various industries, such as gold mining for extracting gold from its ores through a process called cyanidation. However, due to its extreme toxicity, proper handling and strict safety protocols are required when dealing with this compound. Understanding its chemical properties, including the formula and molecular weight, is crucial for both industrial applications and safety management.

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