What is the formula for the thiocyanate ion?

The thiocyanate ion is represented by the formula SCN(-). This formula indicates that the ion consists of one sulfur atom (S), one carbon atom (C), and one nitrogen atom (N), with an overall charge of -1. The arrangement of these atoms allows the thiocyanate ion to participate in various chemical reactions, notably as a ligand in coordination complexes and as a contributing species in certain biological systems.

The presence of the sulfur atom bonded to carbon, which in turn is bonded to nitrogen, defines its unique character that distinguishes it from other ions such as acetate (C2H3O2(-)), nitrate (NO3(-)), and carbonate (CO3(2-)). These other ions have different elemental compositions and structures, which do not include the thiocyanate arrangement of atoms. The specificity of the SCN(-) formula is crucial for accurately identifying this particular ion in chemical contexts.