Definition

1. Noun:
   • The monovalent group -CN in a chemical compound: In chemistry, the 'cyanide group' refers to a functional group consisting of a carbon atom triple-bonded to a nitrogen atom (C≡N). This group has a valency of one, meaning it can form one bond with another atom or group within a molecule.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The presence of a cyanide group in the molecule makes it highly toxic.
  • Organic chemists often study reactions where a cyanide group is introduced into a compound.

Advanced Usage

• "Cyanide group as a ligand": In inorganic chemistry, the cyanide group can act as a ligand, bonding to a central metal atom through the carbon atom.
  • In the complex ion [Fe(CN)₆]⁴⁻, six cyanide groups are coordinated to an iron center.

Variants and Related Words

• Cyanide (noun): A salt or ester of hydrocyanic acid, containing the anion CN⁻ or the group -CN. (e.g., )
• Cyanogen (noun): A colorless, toxic gas with the formula (CN)₂.
• Nitrile (noun): An organic compound containing the -C≡N group. The cyanide group is the functional group in nitriles. (e.g., )

Synonyms

• Cyano group: This is a direct synonym for the cyanide group in chemical nomenclature.
• Carbonitrile group: A less common synonym, also referring to the -CN moiety.

Related Phrases / Terms

• Cyanide ion: The negatively charged anion CN⁻, as opposed to the neutral functional group.
• Isocyanide: An isomer of the cyanide group where the bonding is through the nitrogen atom (R-N≡C).

Noun

1. the monovalent group -CN in a chemical compound