The reaction between sodium cyanide (NaCN) and water (H2O) is as follows:
NaCN(s) + H2O(l) → HCN(aq) + NaOH(aq)
When sodium cyanide dissolves in water, it dissociates into sodium ions (Na+) and cyanide ions (CN-). The cyanide ions then react with the water molecules to form hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and hydroxide ions (OH-). The sodium ions and hydroxide ions combine to form sodium hydroxide (NaOH).
It’s important to note that this reaction is highly dangerous because hydrogen cyanide is a very toxic and poisonous gas. Inhalation of hydrogen cyanide can lead to rapid breathing, restlessness, dizziness, weakness, headache, nausea, vomiting, and even death. Sodium cyanide and its solutions should be handled with extreme caution and only by trained professionals with proper safety equipment.