ALEKS Placement Chemistry Practice Exam 2026 - Free Chemistry Placement Practice Questions and Study Guide

The thiocyanate ion is represented by the formula SCN^-. This ion is composed of one sulfur atom, one carbon atom, and one nitrogen atom. The overall charge of the thiocyanate ion is negative one, indicating that it has gained an extra electron compared to its neutral state.

In this ion, sulfur is bonded to carbon, which is then bonded to nitrogen. The bonding arrangement gives it unique properties and behavior in chemical reactions and interactions. The negative charge on the thiocyanate ion suggests that it can participate in various chemical processes, including acting as a ligand in coordination chemistry.

The other options do not accurately reflect the structure or charge of the thiocyanate ion. For instance, SC(2-) suggests an incorrect structure with an incorrect charge, while CN(2-) and CN(-) indicate cyanide ions, which have a different composition and bonding configuration compared to thiocyanate. Thus, SCN^- is the only correct representation of the thiocyanate ion.