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Thiocyanate ion

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Identification
Molecular formula
SCN-
CAS number
302-04-5
IUPAC name
thiocyanate
State
State

At room temperature, the thiocyanate ion itself is typically found in aqueous solution. As part of a salt like potassium thiocyanate, it is a crystalline solid.

Melting point (Celsius)
-1.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
272.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
1 465.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
1 738.00
General information
Molecular weight
58.08g/mol
Molar mass
58.0840g/mol
Density
0.9500g/cm3
Appearence

Thiocyanate ions typically exist in solution and are colorless. When they form salts, such as potassium thiocyanate, they appear as colorless, deliquescent crystals.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Thiocyanate Compounds

Thiocyanates, which can be represented by the general formula RSCN, exhibit a variety of soluble properties depending on their specific structure and the counterion involved. In general, the solubility of thiocyanate salts tends to be quite favorable in polar solvents, particularly water, due to the following reasons:

  • Polar Nature: Thiocyanate ions (SCN-) are polar species, allowing them to interact effectively with the polar water molecules.
  • Hydrogen Bonding: The presence of sulfur and nitrogen atoms contributes to the potential for hydrogen bonding, enhancing solubility.
  • Ion-Dipole Interaction: Thiocyanate salts readily dissociate in aqueous solutions, providing ions that participate in strong ion-dipole interactions with water.

Common thiocyanate salts, such as potassium thiocyanate (KSCN) and sodium thiocyanate (NaSCN), are noted for their high solubility in water:

  1. Potassium Thiocyanate: Highly soluble in water, making it useful in various chemical applications.
  2. Sodium Thiocyanate: Also shows excellent solubility, frequently used in laboratory and industrial processes.

However, not all thiocyanate compounds are created equal. The solubility can be significantly affected by:

  • The presence of different cations, which can lead to variations in solubility coefficients.
  • Temperature, as increased temperatures typically enhance solubility rates for most salts.
  • pH of the solution, which may impact the dissociation of certain thiocyanate compounds.

In summary, thiocyanates are generally soluble in water, making them valuable in both laboratory settings and industrial applications. Their solubility behavior is influenced by structural, environmental, and interactive factors, offering a rich area for exploration and application.

Interesting facts

Fascinating Insights into Thiocyanate

Thiocyanate, often encountered in various fields of chemistry, is not only an intriguing compound but also serves several important functions:

  • Chemical Structure: Thiocyanate contains a sulfur atom and a nitrogen atom bonded to a carbon center, giving it a unique structural composition that differentiates it from other anions.
  • Biological Significance: In biological systems, thiocyanate plays a crucial role in processes such as thyroid hormone production, where it can inhibit the uptake of iodine.
  • Environmental Relevance: This compound is often studied in environmental chemistry because it is found in various natural sources and can affect ecosystems, especially concerning cyanide pollution from industrial activities.
  • Uses in Industry: Thiocyanate is utilized in several industrial applications, including its use as a reagent in chemical synthesis, in the textile industry for dyeing processes, and even in agriculture as a pesticide.
  • Analytical Applications: Its unique properties make thiocyanate a valuable compound in analytical chemistry, where it can be used in qualitative and quantitative tests, including spectrophotometry.

As the renowned chemist Linus Pauling once said, "Chemistry is the science of matter; it deals with the substances that compose matter." Thiocyanate exemplifies this statement by showcasing how even simple anions can have profound implications across various disciplines.

The study of thiocyanate is an ongoing endeavor, continually revealing new facets in its reactivity and utility, making it a compound worth further exploration in both academic and practical domains.

Synonyms
thiocyanate
Thiocyanate ion
Rhodanide
302-04-5
Thiocyanate ion (1-)
thiocyanide
Rhodanid
Thiocyanate anion
Thiocyanate ion (2-)
cyanosulfanide
Thiocyanid
Thiozyanat
hydrogen thiocyanate
Weedazol tl
71048-69-6
Silver thiocyanate agscn
nitridothiocarbonate(IV)
THIOCYANIC ACID, ION(1-)
nitridothiocarbonate(1-)
nitridosulfanidocarbon
nitridosulfidocarbonate(1-)
UNII-O748SU14OM
THIOCYANATE (NCS1-)
O748SU14OM
SCN(-)
DTXSID8047763
CHEBI:18022
ISOTHIOCYANIC ACID, ION(1-)
Thallium thiocyanate
Ammonium sulfocyanate
SCN
Thiocyanogen ((SCN)2(1-))
Nitrodothiocarbonate
THIOCYANic acid ion
Nitrodithiocarbone(1-)
NCS-
SCN-
Thiocyanic acid ion (1-)
CHEMBL127789
DTXCID8027745
BDBM26983
BDBM62293
SCN(-1)
ZBKFYXZXZJPWNQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N
N#C-S(-)
BDBM50098587
[S-C#N](-)
NCGC00248651-01
NCGC00248651-02
NS00134117
Q60839