Catalyzes the hydration of cyanide to formamide. Degradation of cyanide may be important for plant pathogenic fungi in infection of cyanogenic plants. Also able to transform metal cyanides. formamide = H2O + hydrogen cyanide Optimum pH is 7.5. Oligomer of dimers, forming left-handed helical fibers. By cyanide or metal-complexed cyanide complexes K(2)Ni(CN)(4) and K(4)Fe(CN)(6). Belongs to the carbon-nitrogen hydrolase superfamily. Nitrilase family.