Cyanic Acid
A compound of cyanogen and oxygen only known in its hydrated state in combination with 1 equivalent of water. It combines with bases to form CYANATES. When in contact with water for a few hours it suffers decomposition, Neutralized by potash, and tested with a solution of sulphate or tincture of iron, it and is converted into bicarbonate of ammonia. gives a blue precipitate, or one turning blue It cannot be preserved for any length of time, on the addition of dilute sulphuric or muriatic as it soon passes spontaneously into a white, opaque, solid mass, to which the name of cyamelide has been given, which may be reconverted into cyanic acid by distillation. It reddens litmus strongly.