Catalyzes the hydration of cyanide to formamide. Degradation of cyanide may be important for plant pathogenic fungi in infection of cyanogenic plants. formamide = H2O + hydrogen cyanide Optimum pH is 6-7. Active fom pH 6 to pH 8.5. Oligomer of dimers, forming left-handed helical fibers. By cyanide. Belongs to the carbon-nitrogen hydrolase superfamily. Nitrilase family.