Thiocyanate Ion
The thiocyanate ion, represented as SCN⁻, is a polyatomic ion composed of sulfur, carbon, and nitrogen. It is commonly found in various chemical compounds and is known for its role in biological systems and industrial applications. Thiocyanate can form from the reaction of cyanide with sulfur or from the breakdown of certain amino acids.
In solution, thiocyanate is often used as a ligand in coordination chemistry, forming complexes with metals. It is also present in some biological processes, such as the metabolism of cyanide in the human body. Additionally, thiocyanate is utilized in analytical chemistry for detecting metal ions.