CYANOCARBON Meaning and
Definition
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Cyanocarbon is a term used in chemistry to describe compounds that contain carbon, nitrogen, and at least one cyanide (CN) group. It refers to a class of organic molecules characterized by their chemical structure.
These compounds are composed of a carbon backbone with one or more cyanide (-CN) groups attached. The cyanide group consists of a carbon atom triple-bonded to a nitrogen atom. The carbon atoms in the cyanocarbon molecule can be arranged in various ways, forming different types of compounds.
Cyanocarbons can have diverse applications in chemistry and industry. They are often used as building blocks in the synthesis of complex organic compounds. Due to their high reactivity, cyanocarbon molecules can participate in a wide range of chemical reactions, forming various functional groups and contributing to the creation of new compounds.
One common example of a cyanocarbon is acetonitrile (CH3CN), which is an important solvent extensively used in organic synthesis. Another example is cyanogen (NCCN), a toxic gas that is a dimer of the cyanide radical. Cyanocarbons can also be found in compounds such as cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) and various pharmaceuticals.
In conclusion, cyanocarbon refers to a class of organic compounds consisting of carbon, nitrogen, and cyanide groups. These compounds possess diverse reactivity and applications in various fields of chemistry, including organic synthesis and pharmaceuticals.
Etymology of CYANOCARBON
The word "cyanocarbon" is composed of two linguistic roots: "cyano-" and "carbon".
The prefix "cyano-" is derived from the Greek word "kyanos", meaning "dark blue". It is commonly used to refer to the blue color in various compounds, particularly those containing the cyanide group (CN-).
The term "carbon" originates from the Latin word "carbo", meaning "coal" or "charcoal". Carbon is a chemical element that occurs in all organic compounds and is fundamental to life on Earth.
Therefore, the word "cyanocarbon" combines these elements to describe compounds that contain both a cyanide group ("cyano-") and carbon, typically referring to organic molecules that feature a cyanide group attached to a carbon atom.
