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ISSN 2063-5346
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Brief Overview of the Synthesis of Hydrogen Cyanide from Methane

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Ismail A. Elhaty
» doi: 10.31838/ecb/2023.12.si4.117

Abstract

Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) is an important precursor for the synthesis of a variety of chemicals, such as acrylonitrile and adiponitrile, which are used in the production of synthetic fibers, plastics, and resins. It is also used in the mining industry for the extraction of gold and silver from ores, as well as in the production of various pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and other chemicals. Despite its importance, HCN is a highly toxic gas that must be handled and stored with great care to ensure safety. The synthesis of HCN from methane is a challenging process that has gained significant attention due to the importance of HCN in various industrial applications. Today, the majority of HCN is produced industrially through the Andrussow process, which involves the reaction of methane, ammonia, and oxygen over a platinum or rhodium catalyst at high temperatures and pressures. This process is highly efficient and produces high yields of HCN, making it the preferred method for industrial production. However, the catalytic conversion of methane to HCN remains a challenging process, as methane is a very stable molecule and requires high activation energy to break its strong C-H bonds. Therefore, the ongoing research is focused on developing more efficient and cost-effective catalytic systems for the conversion of methane to HCN, as well as on improving safety measures for its handling and storage.

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