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Proof of concept what causes intact permanence of cyanide compounds binding with iron brickwork

Standard of report

Process of the analytical chemistry assay : A lab procedure to quantify or qualify the amount / activity of a specific substance (analyte) in a sample, crucial for forensic analysis. It uses techniques like HPLC or spectroscopy to measure the analyte, often expressed as a percentage or specific units, ensuring product safety and efficacy by comparing results to set standards.

Structure Theses, antithesis and endosynthesis

Peer-reviewed means scholarly work (like journal articles) which have been evaluated by other experts (peers) in the same field for quality, validity, and originality before publication, acting as a crucial quality control for academic research, ensuring accuracy and reliability by catching errors and unsubstantiated claims

Citing research : involves formally acknowledging the original source of information, ideas, or images used in your work through in-text citations and a corresponding reference list. Citations help avoid plagiarism and demonstrate the scope and depth of research.

Proof of Concept (PoC) is a small-scale, preliminary study or pilot project designed to determine the feasibility of an idea, technology, or product before investing significant time and resources

Thesis from basic scientists to conduct fundamental, curiosity-driven research to understand the foundational principles of nature, biology, physics, or chemistry to become a formal, extensive research paper presenting original analysis, and conclusions

Abstract

Investigation objective : placing a solid, reliable, reproducible (not open to interpretation) published scientific assay forward in pure Chemistry for scientists, which demonstrates Zyklon B (cyanide-based pesticide) binding to moist brickwork which causes the reaction of Ferric Ferrocyanide (iron blue)

Investigation : In a small study, in a controlled environment, with some graduates we shall read through all the processes and details. We can then in controlled conditions see the duration of exposure, time for blue compounds to form and importantly the "permanence of cyanide compounds binding with iron brickwork". Investigate whether white lime paint prevents the reaction of cyanide compounds binding with iron brickwork. Also if the brick work is older, warm and dry this also prevents the reaction. So cold, wet, new brickwork is required for the correct reaction proving the basic science as true.

Procedure : The first concept that comes to mind in the United Kingdom is working with a small group of Chemistry degree level researchers. Community science labs are collaborative, accessible spaces where professional degree level researchers partner to conduct scientific research, often focusing on local ecological and environmental projects. Working locally in "Community Wet Labs", this is a shared laboratory that will allow biohazard conditions using a "Class III Biosafety Cabinet" being totally enclosed and gas-tight.

The science of the "permanence of cyanide compounds binding with iron brickwork", we want to investigate. The Stoichiometry proves the fact, but our focus is on assaying the effects. The assay to share with photographic proof and videos.

What causes the blue colour : Planet Earth contains vast amounts of Iron, which is the primary component of its core and makes up a significant portion of the planet's total mass. Iron is a fundamental component of cement, typically present as iron oxide (Fe2O3). Standard red bricks for creating buildings are red because of the content of rust (which constitutes up to 7% of the raw material weight). Rust is iron oxide (Fe2O3) which is brownish/reddish. Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) reacts with the rust (Fe2O3), removing just the oxygen contained in the iron and oxide. Having picked the oxygen out, cyanide is then replaced. This chemical reaction is because the cyanide wants to bind to the iron more than the oxygen. The oxygen is replaced with the iron cyanide Fe4[Fe(CN)6]3 which is blue / greenish blue or dark blue. The iron blue itself is similarly stable as the rust in the brick so stays permant within the brick, unless chemically treated.

Starting from listing the basic components with quantity and measurements, safety requirements in a closed experiment, with microscopy to validate.

Taking a few chemical samples :

What can we source to reproduce the exact results consistently, with no false positive results?

Take samples of the cyanide in brickwork, for depth profile using a core drill, as blue stains (prussian blue) appears on both sides of brickwork.

Is the toxicology of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) reported consistent, coherent and credible?

Solid state chemistry from pigment research and construction research to show the formation of a solid pigment in the solid brick work. The interaction between the gas going into the liquid of the water in the brickwork, reacting with chemicals in the brickwork (in moist rust) building a solid pigment

How long term stable is the pigment?

Could a wet analysis and dry analysis be processes with modern scientific equipment?

If the conclusions are absolutely solid, reliable and allow no alternative interpretation

Main

Zyklon B



Zyklon B insecticide : Gypsum pellets are small, rounded granules that consist of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) absorbed into a porous carrier material, such as diatomaceous earth or gypsum.

Zyklon B active ingredient : hydrogen cyanide (HCN) (prussic acid), a highly poisonous gas.

Zyklon B carrier material : The liquid hydrogen cyanide (HCN) was absorbed into a solid carrier to make it stable for storage and transport in airtight metal canisters. The common carriers were diatomaceous earth (silicone dioxide) or, in some cases, calcium sulfate (gypsum).

Zyklon B activation : When the pellets were exposed to air and warmth, the hydrogen cyanide (HCN) would rapidly evaporate into a gaseous form. The gas leaves behind characteristic blue stains (iron cyanide compounds) on concrete walls.

Standard moist red bricks with or without white lime paint

"To elaborate on this extensively in research The challenge is how to get Fe2+ in a fully oxidated and moist environment, where almost all iron is present as Fe3+. Resulting in a full scientific paper of experimental testing of the formation under conditions prevailing in moist brickwork, that requires lab conditions."


Brickwork independently forensically analysed using Gas chromatography and Spectroscopic analysis investigate the residue (leaving a colorless or pale-blue liquid or gas with a bitter, almond-like odor). By microscopic chemical analysis hydrogen cyanide (HCN) which binds to Iron known as Ferric Ferrocyanide, accurate to 6 decimal points. Also known as the formula Fe4[Fe(CN)6]3 aka "Prussian blue".

It took chemical analyses of the bricks to determine the causes of this blue discoloration which can be learnt from :
Analytical chemistry is the branch of chemistry focused on identifying and quantifying the chemical components of substances, essentially answering "what is it?" (qualitative) and "how much is there?" (quantitative) in a sample, using powerful methods like spectroscopy, chromatography, and mass spectrometry to provide crucial data in forensics represented as :

Stoichiometry - Pronunciation "stoy·kee·o·muh·tree"

There are two fundamental, linked principles in chemistry:

  • Law of Conservation of Mass : This law states that in any closed system, the total mass of the reactants before a chemical reaction must equal the total mass of the products after the reaction. Atoms are neither created nor destroyed, but simply rearranged into different compounds
    • "Adding up" in Balanced Equations : Chemical equations are "balanced" precisely to reflect this law. The stoichiometric coefficients (the numbers in front of the chemical formulas) are adjusted so that the number of atoms of each element is identical on both the reactant and product sides of the equation. For example:

      • Unbalanced : H2 + O2 → H2O
      • Balanced : 2H2 + O2 → 2H2O
      • In the balanced equation, there are 4 hydrogen atoms and 2 oxygen atoms on both sides. This ensures that the mass "adds up" perfectly

  • Law of Definite Proportions : This law (also known as the Law of Constant Composition) states that a given chemical compound always contains its constituent elements in a fixed, constant ratio by mass, regardless of the source or method of preparation.
    • "Adding up" within a Formula : A chemical formula, such as H2O, indicates a fixed ratio of atoms (two hydrogen atoms for every one oxygen atom) and thus a fixed mass ratio (approximately 1:8 by mass). This fixed composition is what makes a compound a distinct substance; mixing elements in different ratios results in a different substance or a mixture with leftover reactants.
    • Summary :  The "perfect accuracy" in chemical formulas and equations stems from the fact that matter is composed of discrete, unchangeable atoms that combine in consistent, simple whole-number ratios. These fundamental laws allow for precise quantitative predictions in chemical reactions, a field known as stoichiometry in GCSE Chemistry. The real father of chemistry Antoine Lavoisier, whose experiments supported the law of conservation of mass. Antoine Lavoisier created the first list of fundamental elements that “are the substances we have not discovered means for separating”.

    Factors conducive to the formation of prussian blue in masonry

    The steps of pigment formation :
    1. Absorption of hydrogen cyanide (HCN)
    2. Ionic splitting (electrolytic dissociation) of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) in water to the cyanide ion (CN-), which alone can form complexes with iron
    3. Complexing of trivalent iron (Fe3+) to the complex iron(III) cyanide (hexacyanoferrate(III), that is, the displacement of oxygen and/or OH- ions in rust by cyanide ions
    4. Reduction of iron(III) cyanide to iron(II) cyanide
    5. Precipitation of iron(II) cyanide with trivalent iron and Iron Blue
    Absorption of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) to ionic splitting

    Ionic splitting, or ionic dissociation, is the process where solid ionic compounds break apart into their constituent positive (cations) and negative (anions) ions, typically when dissolved in water. Since hydrogen cyanide (HCN) is a weak acid, formation of cyanide Ions (CN-) to a noticable degree requires an alkaline (OH-) or low acidity environment. Hydroxide ion (OH-), represents a negatively charged ion crucial for pH balance. Such an environment only exists in :

    Lime mortar : high initial alkalinity, turning pH- neutral after a few weeks

    Cement mortar and concrete : high alkanlinity, moderately alkaline for months, years, decades

    HCN + OH- → CN- + H2O

    Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) binds to moist brickwork


    Brick and mortar construction relies on two primary components: masonry brickwork and mortar (which acts as a binder). Mortar consists of cement, sand, water, and for flexibility calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) known as hydrated or slaked lime. Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) is a key component in traditional and modern masonry mortar, not the brick itself. It acts as a binder, improving workability and flexibility, and sets by absorbing carbon dioxide to form durable calcium carbonate.

    Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) is highly soluble in water. For displacement of oxygen ions in rust by cyanide ions (CN-) chemical equations model the changes that happen in chemical reactions. Chemically speaking, hydrogen cyanide (HCN) is a very weak acid. It is bound by damp to highly alkaline moist brickwork through neutralisation. Using balanced stoichiometric coefficients, this produced calcium cyanide Ca(CN)2 and water H2O shown as chemical formula :

    2 HCN + Ca(OH)2 → Ca(CN)2 + 2 H2O

    Iron contained in moist brickwork, merged to cyanide produces a lasting prussian blue

    The cyanide ion (CN-) is a highly reactive ion, which joins with metals to form very stable complex salts. Iron contained in the moist brickwork walls is symbolised by "Fe" because its chemical name comes from the Latin word ferrum, meaning iron. The best known complex salts are the yellow and red iron cyanides. These compounds form when iron (Fe) ions combine with cyanide: with the iron (Fe)(II) ion, the yellow ferrocyanide forms, and with the iron (Fe)(III) ion, the red ferricyanide is produced :

    6 CN– + Fe2+ → [Fe(CN)6]4–
    6 CN– + Fe3+ → [Fe(CN)6]3–

    Both formulaes [Fe(CN)6]4– and [Fe(CN)6]3– represent the ferrocyanide ion. In the presence of excess iron (Fe)(II) or iron (Fe)(III) ions, the yellow or red iron cyanide then reacts to form blue compounds respectively :

    [Fe(CN)6]4– + Fe3+ → [FeIIFeIII(CN)6]–
    [Fe(CN)6]3– + Fe2+ → [FeIIIFeII(CN)6]–

    A solution of iron (Fe)(II) or iron (Fe)(III) salts, respectively, produced a spontaneous blue discoloration Prussian blue : [FeIIFeIII(CN)6]– and [FeIIIFeII(CN)6]–.

    Discussion

    Conclusion : We know that this chemical reaction happens already, but we want a practical experiment.

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