Cyanogen (C₂N₂) is a colorless, toxic gas, a pseudohalogen, prepared by oxidizing a cyanide. It is reactive and polymerizes to form the paracyanogen. Melting point –27.9°C, boiling pint -21.2°C.

 

Cyanogen bands

Cyanogen bands (CN bands) are molecular absorption bands found in the spectra of stars of type G0 and later. Cyanogen absorption is an important luminosity criterion, and is more pronounced in giants than in dwarfs of the same spectral type.