cyanátcsoport

A cyanátcsoport, often referred to as the cyanate functional group, is a chemical group with the general formula [OCN]⁻. It is an anion, meaning it carries a negative charge. The cyanátcsoport is characterized by a central carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom and single-bonded to a nitrogen atom. Resonance structures exist, where the double bond can be between carbon and nitrogen, and the charge can be distributed across the oxygen and nitrogen atoms.

Cyanate is the conjugate base of cyanic acid (HOCN). It can be formed by the decomposition of urea at high temperatures or by the oxidation of cyanide. The cyanátcsoport is a relatively stable inorganic ion. It participates in various chemical reactions, including hydrolysis, where it can react with water to form carbon dioxide and ammonia.

In organic chemistry, the cyanátcsoport can be incorporated into molecules to form cyanates, which are esters or salts of cyanic acid. Organic cyanates are less common than isocyanates (R-NCO) but are still of interest in synthesis. The cyanátcsoport's presence can influence the chemical properties and reactivity of the molecule it is part of. It is an isomer of the fulminate ion (CNO⁻) and the isocyanate ion (NCO⁻), with different arrangements of atoms and bonding.