How is CN- not a radical?

[johnwandering]

This is a very basic question, but wondering...

How is CN- not a radical?
I'm drawing out the Lewis structure, and C has a triple bond with Nitrogen, and then has just a singular unpair electron just sitting there...


isn't the (-) charge indicative of an unpaired PAIR of electrons?

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[folktale]

This is a very basic question, but wondering...

How is CN- not a radical?
I'm drawing out the Lewis structure, and C has a triple bond with Nitrogen, and then has just a singular unpair electron just sitting there...


isn't the (-) charge indicative of an unpaired PAIR of electrons?

an unpaired electron does not necessarily mean an atom will have a negative charge, just think of N. it has a lone pair, but it's not negatively charged. But yes, the C in CN- would have the negative charge due to the lone pair. This is b/c it wants 4 bonds w/ no lone pair at all, and usually have 4 valence e-. But on this case it has 5e- due to the lone pair, resulting in the negative charge.

 

[johnwandering]

I think I am confusing formal charge with the charge of a molecule.

What exactly is the correct term of the charge on CN-?

 

[folktale]

I think I am confusing formal charge with the charge of a molecule.

What exactly is the correct term of the charge on CN-?

anion