Copper(Ii) Cyanide

Copper(II) cyanide is a coordination compound with the chemical formula Cu(CN)2. It consists of one copper ion (Cu2+) coordinated to two cyanide ions (CN-). The copper ion has a +2 oxidation state, while each cyanide ion has a -1 charge.

Copper(II) cyanide is a dark brown solid that is insoluble in water. It can be prepared by reacting copper(II) sulfate with sodium cyanide in aqueous solution. Alternatively, it can be synthesized by reacting copper(II) hydroxide or oxide with hydrocyanic acid.

Copper(II) cyanide has a linear molecular geometry, with the two cyanide ligands arranged in a trans configuration. The complex is diamagnetic due to the absence of unpaired electrons.

Copper(II) cyanide is toxic and should not be handled without proper precautions. It is also an important reagent in organic chemistry, where it is used as a catalyst for various reactions, such as the synthesis of nitriles from primary amines and the conversion of aldehydes into cyanohydrins.