What charge is associated with cyanide (CN)?

Cyanide (CN) has a charge of -1, which indicates that it is a negatively charged ion or anion. In its common form, cyanide is most often found as the cyanide ion, which consists of one carbon atom triple-bonded to one nitrogen atom. This molecular structure leads to a total of 10 electrons surrounding the ion, resulting in a net charge of -1, as the total number of protons in the nucleus of the carbon and nitrogen atoms is greater than the total number of electrons by one. This negative charge allows it to participate in ionic bonding with positively charged ions in various chemical compounds. The understanding of cyanide's charge is fundamental in various contexts, particularly in chemistry, where it plays a role in discussions about its reactivity and interactions with other chemical species.