Ask A Scientist Chemistry Archive

Question:
I've always passed the time in boring classes by supergluing my
fingers together. I know, sounds stupid, but it feels cool and
doesn't hurt. Somebody once told me that superglue contains
cyanide or some deadly substance. Is this true? If not is there
any other dangerous chemicals in there? Do these substances
accumulate in the body? For fear of death I haven't been doing
this much lately (but I am eager to start again (J/K)), but
I've never forgotten this nagging question. Thanks.
 leopold

Answer:
Check out question #57 in the Chemistry Archives section.  Superglue
is a cyanoacrylate methyl ester.  Not really the type of stuff you
want to be spreading all over your fingers.  You must have some
really tough fingers because that stuff usually only comes off with
a solvent such as acetone (active ingredient in nail polish remover).
Either that or you pull off skin in the process...hardly a way to pass
time.
-Joe Schultz