Thiocyanate ions, represented as SCN⁻, are negatively charged ions composed of sulfur, carbon, and nitrogen. They are commonly found in various chemical compounds and can be produced through the reaction of cyanide with sulfur. Thiocyanate ions play a role in biological systems and can be involved in detoxification processes. In the laboratory, thiocyanate ions are used in analytical chemistry to detect the presence of certain metals and in the synthesis of various organic compounds. They can also be found in some foods and are known to have potential effects on thyroid function due to their ability to inhibit iodine uptake.