Cyanic

Cyanic is an adjective used in chemistry to describe anything relating to the cyanide group or to cyanide-derived chemistry. In inorganic chemistry, cyanic can refer to compounds containing the cyanide anion CN−, including simple salts such as potassium cyanide, as well as coordination complexes in which CN− serves as a ligand. In organic chemistry, cyanation is the introduction of a cyano group (−CN) into molecules, and cyanic derivatives are compounds that bear the cyano substituent.

Cyanic acid, also called cyanic acid, is historically used to name HOCN, one tautomer of the isocyanic acid HNCO. The two forms interconvert, with their relative abundance depending on solvent and temperature. In broader usage, the term cyanic appears in older or specialized literature to describe cyanide-related features or cyanating reactions.

Safety and handling: many cyanide- or cyano-containing compounds are highly toxic. Proper safety protocols are essential when working with cyanides, cyanates, or cyanating reagents, as some can release hydrogen cyanide under acidic conditions.

See also: cyanide, cyanate, cyanogen, isocyanate, isocyanic acid.