A diatomic chemical radical composed of carbon and nitrogen atoms.
The triple bonds of C to H leave one electron available,
which makes the CN radical very reactive. Organic molecules with
the -CN group are potential sources of → prebiotic
amino acids. Same as the → CN molecule.
The CN radical was first identified by
Gay-Lussac, who in 1815 published an extensive study of the derivatives of prussic acid
(→ hydrogen cyanide).
He showed that the cyano radical remained intact throughout
a series of chemical transformations. Also called cyanogen radical.
See also: → cyano-; → radical.
