The destruction of cyanide results in the production of which gas?

The correct answer is nitrogen. When cyanide undergoes destruction, particularly through biological or chemical processes, one of the key reactions involves the breakdown of the cyanide ion, which can ultimately lead to the formation of nitrogen gas. This is significant in wastewater treatment and environmental processes, as reducing harmful substances like cyanide is crucial for ensuring safe concentrations of pollutants in water bodies.

Cyanide has a carbon-nitrogen (C≡N) bond, and when it is subjected to specific treatments, this structure can break down, releasing nitrogen into the atmosphere. This transformation is a vital aspect of cyanide detoxification processes, as it ensures that harmful compounds are effectively removed from the wastewater before being discharged or further treated.

In contrast, ammonia, oxygen, and hydrogen may be produced in different chemical reactions but are not direct results of cyanide destruction. For instance, ammonia can be a product of organic nitrogen degradation, and hydrogen is often associated with various reduction reactions, while oxygen is not a product of cyanide breakdown but can be involved in aerobic processes.