What is the chemical formula for cyanate?

The chemical formula for cyanate is OCN(-). This compound consists of one carbon atom, one nitrogen atom, and two oxygen atoms, with a negative charge.

Cyanate is commonly recognized as the anion derived from cyanic acid (HOCN) and is an important compound in various chemical processes, particularly in organic chemistry and biochemistry. The presence of the nitrogen atom bonded to the carbon atom, along with the oxygen atoms, reflects the structure of cyanate, where it can be represented as having double bonds between the central carbon atom and the oxygen atom, while also showing a negative charge that signifies the presence of an additional electron.

The other answer choices do not represent cyanate. For instance, CN(-) represents the cyanide ion, CO2(-) does not correspond to a well-known species, and N2O(-) refers to a different compound related to dinitrogen oxide. Thus, the correct identification of the cyanate formula as OCN(-) is grounded in its distinct molecular composition and structure.