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Sodium Cyanate

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Identification
Molecular formula
NaOCN
CAS number
917-61-3
IUPAC name
sodium;cyanate
State
State

At room temperature, sodium cyanate is in a solid state. It is stable under normal conditions.

Melting point (Celsius)
550.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
823.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
314.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
587.15
General information
Molecular weight
65.01g/mol
Molar mass
65.0070g/mol
Density
1.8900g/cm3
Appearence

Sodium cyanate typically appears as a white crystalline solid. It is an inorganic compound and is a salt of sodium, with cyanate as the anion.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Sodium Cyanate

Sodium cyanate, with the chemical formula NaOCN, demonstrates interesting solubility characteristics that are noteworthy for various applications.

Solubility in Water

One of the remarkable features of sodium cyanate is its high solubility in water. This can be attributed to:

  • **Ionic nature**: Being an ionic compound, sodium cyanate shows a strong tendency to dissociate into its constituent ions in aqueous solutions.
  • **Hydrophilic interactions**: The presence of the cyanate ion (OCN-) leads to favorable interactions with water molecules, enhancing its solubility.

Temperature Dependence

The solubility of sodium cyanate also increases with temperature, which is often a characteristic of ionic compounds. It’s worth noting that:

  • Higher temperatures promote greater solvation of the ions.
  • Increased solubility with temperature can impact reactions where sodium cyanate is a reactant.

Overall Implications

In summary, sodium cyanate is notably soluble in water due to its ionic structure and the nature of its constituent ions. As stated, "the potential for high solubility opens doors for various chemical reactions and applications,” particularly in organic synthesis and analytical chemistry. Understanding these solubility properties is crucial for chemists working with this compound.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About Sodium Cyanate

Sodium cyanate is a fascinating compound that has a range of applications and important characteristics that make it a subject of interest for chemists and researchers alike. Here are some intriguing aspects of sodium cyanate:

  • Chemical Reactivity: Sodium cyanate is known for its ability to undergo hydrolysis, which can produce toxic byproducts like ammonia. Understanding this reactivity is crucial in both laboratory and industrial settings.
  • Precursor for Other Compounds: It serves as a valuable precursor to various nitrogen-containing compounds, making it significant in organic synthesis.
  • Historical Significance: Historically, sodium cyanate has been used in research concerning the origins of life, particularly in studies focusing on prebiotic chemistry.
  • Solvent Applications: It can act as a solvent for some organic substances and is investigated for its potential use in various chemical processes.

Additionally, sodium cyanate's structure and properties can be explained using the principles of coordination chemistry. Notably, it contains the cyanate ion (OCN−), which is an isoelectronic counterpart to the nitrate ion (NO3−), underlining the importance of understanding ion characteristics in chemical education.

As a compound that has applications ranging from pharmaceuticals to agriculture, sodium cyanate continues to pique the interest of scientists. Its unique properties and reactivity make it a compound worth studying and understanding!