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Cyanide ion

CN−CN^-

Charge: 1- · Type: Polyatomic anion · Molar mass: 26.018 g/mol

Made of: carbon, nitrogen

How it forms

Hydrogen cyanide is a weak acid; when it loses its proton it leaves CN-. The ion binds strongly to iron in enzymes, which is the basis of its toxicity.

Naming note

CN- is the cyanide ion. Salts are named as cyanides (sodium cyanide), and the -CN group in organic molecules is called a cyano group or nitrile.

Examples in compounds

  • Sodium cyanide

  • Potassium cyanide

  • Hydrogen cyanide

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