Expert: George Maxwell - 11/16/2007

Question
how can we degrade cynide using sodium hypochlorite? ple give reaction

Answer
Hi, and thanks for your question.

If you're trying this for real, make sure you're supervised by an experienced member of staff - cyanide salts don't leave much room for error.

The mormal procedure is to add hypochlorite to the cyanide solution in a large excess. It's sometimes recomended that you tip waste cyanide in to a bulk stock of hypochlorite, but this leaves a thin film of untreated cyanide clinging to the walls of the container that held the cyanide solution, and so can be dangerous.

The hypochlorite works by oxidising the cyanide group (HCN) to nitrogen or nitrogen compounds. I can't give you a reaction because the process varies depending on what cyanide salt you're using.

Hope this helps, stay safe!