Chemical Bonding: Does CN Neutral Exist?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the existence of the neutral CN molecule. The consensus is that CN as a neutral entity does not exist; instead, the CN radical exists as a free radical with an unpaired electron, resulting in an overall charge. Participants debate whether a single unpaired electron can remain unbonded, questioning the necessity of electron pairing in bonding. Some mention that while neutral CN may not be stable, spectral data suggests it can exist under specific conditions, such as low temperature or pressure, albeit briefly. The CN radical is considered relatively stable compared to other molecules with unusual bonding patterns.
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Does CN neutral exist?
if it will their will be a triple bond but their will be 1 single electron left in the carbon atom
now if answer is yes i am all good but if no then why can't 1 unpaired electron remain unbonded?why has it always got to be a "pair" of electrons?
 
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Does CN neutral exist?

No.
Free -CN radicals do exists, but as said, they are free radicals and have a single electron on them. Giving them an overall charge.

if it will their will be a triple bond but their will be 1 single electron left in the carbon atom

"There". Not "their".

now if answer is yes i am all good but if no then why can't 1 unpaired electron remain unbonded?why has it always got to be a "pair" of electrons?

http://www.av8n.com/physics/why-pairs.htm
 
Bloodthunder said:
Does CN neutral exist?

No.
I'm rather sure that I've seen spectral data for it in Huber Herzberg, so this would most certainly mean that it does exist.

Note that there are very few molecules which cannot exist under some conditions (low temperature, pressure, etc), at least for a short time. Even molecules with the most outrageous bonding patterns typically have minima in their potential energy surfaces. Compared to that, the CN radical seems rather harmless.
 
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