CEFR C2

carbonyl cyanide

noun phrase

Meaning

A highly toxic chemical compound with the formula CO(CN)₂, known for its potent ability to uncouple oxidative phosphorylation in biological systems, effectively shutting down cellular energy production. It is primarily used in biochemical research to study metabolic pathways.

Examples

Researchers use carbonyl cyanide to induce metabolic stress in cell cultures for studying cellular responses.
Exposure to even small amounts of carbonyl cyanide can be fatal due to its rapid interference with ATP synthesis.

Synonyms: CCCP (as a specific type), mitochondrial uncoupler

How to Use carbonyl cyanide

carbonyl cyanide uncoupler (collocation)

A type of chemical that uncouples oxidative phosphorylation. — "The study investigated the effects of a carbonyl cyanide uncoupler on cellular respiration."

carbonyl cyanide poisoning (collocation)

Illness or death caused by exposure to carbonyl cyanide. — "Symptoms of carbonyl cyanide poisoning include rapid breathing and metabolic acidosis."

carbonyl cyanide

Meaning

Examples

carbonyl cyanide (C2)

Definition

Examples

How to Use carbonyl cyanide

Synonyms of carbonyl cyanide