What sorts of information can draw from the following reaction ?
`(CN)_(2)(g)+2OH^(-)(aq)toCN^(-)(aq)+CNO^(-) (aq)+H_(2)O(l)`

Explanation

Let the us first analys whether `(CN)_(2)`in the reaction gets oxidised or reduced or simultenously oxidised as well as reduced .To know this the knowledge of the oxidation states of
c in `(CN)_(2)CN^(-) and CNO^(-)` are formed required
The oxidation state of C in `CN_(2)`is +3 `overset(+3-3)[[(CN)_(2)])` is +2 in `CN-overset(+2-3)([CN^(-)]`and +4 in `CNO^(-) overset(+4-3-2)[[CNO]]`.Now let us consider the given equation -
`overset(+3)(CN_(2))(g)+2OH^(-)(aq)tooverset(+2)CN^(-)(aq)+overset(+4)CNO^(-) (aq)+H_(2)O(l)`
Form this equation ,we get see that `(CN)_(2)` gets reduced to `CN^(-)` as the oxidation numbr of C ,reduces `(+3to2)` in this change and its this gets oxidised to `CNO^(-)` because the oxidation number of C increases `(+3to+4)` in this change .Thus ,from this reaction we have the following information :
1 In oxidation medium cyanogen gas dissociates into cyanide ion `(CN)^(-)` and cyanate ion `(CNO)^(-)`
2 It is a redox reaction .
3 More particularly, it is a disproportionation reaction because `(CN)_(2)` undergoes oxidation and reduction simultaneously.
4 Cyanogen is a pseudohalogen . It acts as a halogen on reacting with alkalis.