Alchemy to Chemistry: Wöhler’s Breakthrough in Cyanide

This podcast is on the article from the journal Annalen der Physik, published in 1822, presents the findings of Friedrich Wöhler's experiments on the nature of cyanic acid. Wöhler investigated the reactions of cyan with various alkali and metal oxides, observing the formation of unique salts which he labelled "cyanic salts". Through careful analysis, he established that cyanic acid is prone to decomposition, readily forming carbonic acid and ammonia. His observations challenged the prevailing view of cyanic acid as a simple binary compound of cyan and oxygen, instead suggesting its complex behaviour and decomposition products. Wöhler's work ultimately shed light on the properties and reactions of cyanic acid, paving the way for further investigations into its complex chemical behaviour.