I want to analyze cyanide content from a few oil samples (like castor oil), but according to literature and method of analysis, in standard curve preparation, potassium cyanide or sodium cyanide was used. The thing is, I do not want to use these toxic chemicals as a standard. Please suggest to me, is there any other non-toxic or less poisonous chemical that I shall use in my experiment?
Dear Bipul Das Chowdhury sorry to see that your very interesting technical question has not yet received any expert answers. As a synthetic inorganic chemist I'm certainly not an expert in analytical chemistry. However, to the best of my knowledge, for preparing a standard curve for analyzing the cyanide content in oil samples you need to use a simple cyanide salt. Of course, it is well known that both potassium cyanide and sodium cyanide are highly toxic, but then, you are not pklanning to eat these salts, right? As a chemist/researcher biologist, you need to learn how to safley handle toxic compounds. Preparing a standard solution of NaCN or KCN is not dangerous if you do this in a well-ventilated fumehood. Wear disposable gloves and make sure that no mineral acid comes in contact with the cyanide salt solution. This would lead to formation of volatile, toxic HCN. Also dispose residual solutions in special waste bins. If you follow these saftey rules, working with cyanides should present no major problem.
Good luck with your experiments and best wishes, Frank Edelmann
Thank you @Frank T. Edelmann Sir. Yes, i will definitely remember all the points that you have said, and Sir it is my pleasure to conduct my research by following your comments.
Regards, Bipul Das Chowdhury
Dear Bipul Das Chowdhury
The titration method can be the best option. Using metal ions that form insoluble complexes such as iron, silver, nickel ... cyanide which are insoluble (dissociation Constant, of around 10^-30 to -40).
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