Final answer:
The comparison between CS and CN in terms of potency is not straightforward. CS is widely used for crowd control due to its effectiveness and relative safety compared to CN. However, CN is considered more toxic, suggesting that CS is not necessarily more potent in terms of toxicity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement "CS is more potent than CN" suggests a comparison between two chemical agents often considered in the context of their effects as chemical weapons or riot control agents. CS (2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile) is commonly known as tear gas, and it is used for crowd control because it irritates the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, mouth, and lungs, leading to tearing, sneezing, coughing, and in extreme cases, chest tightness and difficulty breathing.
CN (chloroacetophenone), also known as mace, is another type of tear gas, which was previously used for riot control and personal defense but is less common now due to the popularity of CS gas. CS tends to be more preferable because, although it is a strong irritant, it is considered to be less toxic and less likely to cause long-term health effects than CN.
Therefore, saying 'CS is more potent than CN' is not necessarily true; while CS may be more effective for crowd control due to its strong irritant properties and rapid onset of symptoms, it can be considered safer than CN, which suggests a lower level of toxicity compared to CN.