Cyanate is a chemical compound that contains the cyanate ion (CNO-). It is spelled as /saɪəˌneɪt/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with the stress on the second syllable. The word is derived from the Greek word "kyanos," meaning blue, and "natron," meaning soda. Cyanates are used in a variety of industrial processes, including the production of urethanes and nylon. Proper spelling of this word is crucial in chemistry to avoid confusion with the similar sounding cyanide ion (CN-), which is highly toxic.
Cyanate is a noun that refers to a chemical compound containing the cyanate ion (CNO-). It is formed through the combination of the cyanide ion (CN-) with oxygen atom (-O). Cyanate is known for its highly reactive and unstable nature.
In terms of its chemical structure, cyanate consists of a carbon atom bonded to a nitrogen atom through a triple bond, with an oxygen atom attached to the carbon atom. This arrangement leads to the overall negative charge on the ion. Due to the presence of the highly electronegative oxygen atom, cyanate exhibits unique chemical properties.
Cyanate compounds can be found in various forms, including salts, esters, and isocyanates. These compounds are used in different industrial applications such as manufacturing plastics, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides. Isocyanates, a type of cyanate compound, are particularly important in the production of polyurethane foams, as they play a crucial role in the polymerization process.
Cyanate compounds are also of interest in the field of biochemistry because they are involved in the detoxification process of cyanide in certain organisms. The enzyme cyanase catalyzes the reaction between cyanate and water, converting it into ammonia and bicarbonate. This detoxification mechanism helps organisms survive in environments where cyanide is prevalent.
In summary, cyanate is a chemical compound characterized by the cyanate ion (CNO-). It has diverse industrial applications, especially in the production of plastics and pharmaceuticals. Cyanate compounds also play a role in the detoxification of cyanide in certain organisms.
A salt composed of cyanic acid and a base.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "cyanate" originates from the combination of two separate components: "cyan" and "-ate".
1. Cyan: The term “cyan” derives from the Greek word “kyanos,” which means “dark-blue enamel” or “lapis lazuli.” It was used to refer to the blue-green precious stone as well as the color itself. Over time, the meaning of “cyan” has broadened to encompass a range of blue and green shades.
2. -ate: The suffix “-ate” in chemistry is commonly used to indicate the presence of oxygen and extra electrons in a compound. It typically denotes a specific type of chemical compound, such as a salt or an ester. The addition of “-ate” to a word often signifies a more complex compound or an ion.