Question

How does the C-N bond in CN-1 differ from the C-H bond in CH4?

A. the C-H bond is longer because it is a double bond.
B. the C-N bond is longer because it is a single bond.
C. the C-H bond is shorter because it is a double bond.
D. the C-H bond is shorter because it is a triple bond.
E. the C-N bond is shorter because it is a triple bond.

Answer 1

The C-N bond in CN- is a triple bond, which is shorter and stronger than the single C-H bond in methane (CH4), thus the C-N bond is shorter.

Step-by-step explanation:

The C-N bond in CN- is different from the C-H bond in CH4 primarily in the type of bond and length. The C-N bond in cyanide (CN-) is a triple bond, which is typically shorter and stronger than single bonds due to the greater number of shared electron pairs. On the other hand, each C-H bond in methane (CH4) is a single bond. Comparing the two, the correct answer is E. the C-N bond is shorter because it is a triple bond.