Lewis Dot Structure: The SCN– ion (thiocyanate) has a central carbon atom bonded to a sulfur atom and a nitrogen atom. The Lewis structure shows a triple bond between carbon and nitrogen, and a single bond between carbon and sulfur. The nitrogen atom has a lone pair, and the sulfur atom has two lone pairs. The overall charge of the ion is -1, which is typically placed on the sulfur atom.
Hybridization: The central carbon atom in SCN– is sp hybridized. This is because it forms two sigma bonds (one with sulfur and one with nitrogen) and two pi bonds (with nitrogen).
Electron Geometry: The electron geometry around the central carbon atom is linear. This is because there are two regions of electron density (the two sigma bonds) around the carbon atom.
Molecular Geometry: The molecular geometry of SCN– is also linear. The arrangement of the atoms in space is straight, with the carbon atom in the center, and the sulfur and nitrogen atoms on either side.
Polarity: SCN– is a polar molecule. The difference in electronegativity between sulfur, carbon, and nitrogen creates a dipole moment. The overall dipole moment is not canceled out due to the linear shape, making the molecule polar.