Dicyanogen

/ˌdaɪsaɪˈænədʒən/ noun

Definition

A hypothetical or historical name for a compound related to dicyan, possibly referring to two cyanide groups or a source compound for dicyanides.

Etymology

From 'di-' (two) + 'cyanogen' (a compound containing two carbon and two nitrogen atoms in a CN≡CN structure). This term is older and less commonly used in modern chemistry.

Kelly Says

Cyanogen chemistry had confusing historical names—scientists kept discovering the same compounds and giving them different names, which is why older chemistry books look like they're describing aliens!

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