Inorganic chemistry,cyanocarbons are a group ofchemical compounds that contain several cyanidefunctional groups. Such substances generally are classified asorganic compounds, since they are formally derived fromhydrocarbons by replacing one or morehydrogen atoms with acyanide group.[1] One of the simplest member isC(CN)4 (tetracyanomethane, also known as carbon tetracyanide). Organic chemists often refer to cyanides asnitriles.
In general, cyanide is anelectronegative substituent. Thus, for example, cyanide-substitutedcarboxylic acids tend to be stronger than the parents. The cyanide group can also stabilize anions bydelocalizing negativecharge as revealed byresonance structures.
Cyanocarbons are organic compounds bearing enough cyano functional groups to significantly alter their chemical properties.[1]
Illustrative cyanocarbons:
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