hexacyano

Hexacyano refers to a chemical species containing six cyanide (CN) ligands coordinated to a central atom, typically a metal. The most common examples are hexacyanoferrates, which involve iron as the central atom. These compounds are often referred to by their specific cation and anion. For instance, potassium hexacyanoferrate(II) is commonly known as potassium ferrocyanide, and potassium hexacyanoferrate(III) is known as potassium ferricyanide.

These hexacyanoferrate complexes are generally stable and exhibit a wide range of applications. Potassium ferrocyanide, for example, is used as an anti-caking agent in table salt and in the production of pigments like Prussian blue. Potassium ferricyanide is utilized in photography, blueprinting, and as an oxidizing agent in chemical synthesis. The stability of these complexes arises from the strong ligand field provided by the cyanide ions and the favorable coordination geometry, often octahedral.

Beyond iron, other metals can form hexacyano complexes, though they are less commonly encountered. The properties of these hexacyano compounds vary depending on the central metal atom and its oxidation state, influencing their color, solubility, and reactivity. The term "hexacyano" itself broadly describes the presence of this specific six-cyanide coordination.