Cyanide ion is

Options

A. Nucleophilic
B. Electrolhilic
C. Strongly acidic
D. Non-reactive and neutral.

Answer

### Step-by-Step Text Solution:

1. **Definition of Cyanide Ion**: The cyanide ion is represented as CN⁻. It consists of a carbon atom (C) triple-bonded to a nitrogen atom (N) and carries a negative charge.

2. **Nature of the Cyanide Ion**: The cyanide ion is classified as a nucleophile. Nucleophiles are species that donate an electron pair to form a chemical bond in a reaction.

3. **Characteristics of Nucleophiles**: Nucleophiles can either be negatively charged ions or neutral molecules with a lone pair of electrons that can be donated. In the case of cyanide, it is a negatively charged ion.

4. **Charge Distribution in Cyanide Ion**: In the cyanide ion, the negative charge is localized on the carbon atom. The carbon atom also has a lone pair of electrons, which enhances its nucleophilic character.

5. **Resonance Structure**: The cyanide ion can be represented by resonance structures. One common resonance structure shows a double bond between carbon and nitrogen, with the negative charge on carbon. This resonance contributes to the stability of the ion and its nucleophilic properties.

6. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the cyanide ion (CN⁻) is a nucleophilic species due to its negative charge and the presence of a lone pair of electrons on the carbon atom.