Question

What are the acids in this equilibri reaction? `CN^- + H_2O rightleftharpoons HCN + OH^-`?

Answer 1

The acids in the given reaction are hydrogen cyanide and water.

Explanation:

An acid is a proton donor. Cyanide anion is a reasonable base, and will deprotonate water to give hydrogen cyanide and hydroxide anion:

`C-=N^(-) +H_2O rightleftharpoons HC-=N+HO^-`

What would be the hazards involved in this reaction?