Charge distribution on the cyanide ion and cohesive energies of sodium and potassium cyanides
Abstract
The charge distribution on the cyanide ion has been studied by molecular-orbital calculations. The probable charges on the carbon and nitrogen atoms in [CN]– are –0.40 and –0.60 electron units, respectively. The results have been used in evaluating the cohesive energies, on an electrostatic model, of two polymorphs of sodium and potassium cyanides. A value of –379 kJ mol–1 is obtained for the electron affinity of the CN species.