What Is The Structure Of Copper Cyanide?

The structure of copper cyanide can refer to two different compounds: cuprous cyanide (CuCN) or cupric cyanide (Cu(CN)2).

Cuprous cyanide (CuCN) has a linear structure where one copper ion is bonded with one cyanide ion. The copper ion has a +1 oxidation state, and the cyanide ion has a -1 charge.

Cupric cyanide (Cu(CN)2) has a polymeric structure where a copper ion is surrounded by two cyanide ions in a linear fashion, and each cyanide ion is also bound to neighboring copper ions. The copper ion in this compound has a +2 oxidation state, and the cyanide ion has a -1 charge.

Both compounds are highly toxic and can be used in various industrial applications, including electroplating and chemical synthesis.