What sorts of information can you draw from the following reaction?
(CN)₂(g) + 2OH^–(aq) → CN^–(aq) + CNO^–(aq) + H₂O(l)

The oxidation number of carbon in (CN)², CN^- and CNO^- are +3, +2 and +4 respectively. These are obtained as shown below:

(CN)₂: Let the oxidation number of C =x

2(x-3) =0

X= 3

CN^-

x-3= -1

x=2

CNO^-

X-3-2 =-1

X= 4

(i) The reaction involves the decomposition of cyanogen (CN)₂ in alkaline medium.
(ii) Both (CN)₂ (i.e. cyanogen) and CN^- (i.e., cyanide ions) are pseudo halogens in nature i.e. both behave like halogens in characteristics.
(iii) Cyanogen undergoes disproportionation in the reaction.
(iv) It is an example of a redox reaction.