When an element made up of atoms that readily lose electrons (a steel) reacts with a component made up of atoms that easily gain electrons (a nonmetal), a transfer of electrons generally takes place, making ions. The compound formed by this transfer is stabilized through the electrostatic attractions (ionic bonds) https://cyanidepotassiumsodium37803.amoblog.com/5-simple-statements-about-potassium-cyanide-vs-potassium-thiocyanate-explained-51531640