Potassium Cyanide

It is prepared industrially by the absorption of hydrogen cyanide in potassium hydroxide. The compound is used in the extraction of silver and gold, in some metal-finishing processes and electroplating, as an insecticide and fumigant (source of HCN), and in the preparation of cyanogen derivatives. In the laboratory it is used in analysis, as a reducing agent, and as a stabilizing ligand for low oxidation states.

Applications:

Synthesis of Pharmaceutical intermediates
Recycling of precious metals
Electroplating
Metal hardening