What is the chemical name for KCN?

The chemical name for KCN is potassium cyanide. This nomenclature is derived from the conventions for naming ionic compounds, which consist of a cation (positively charged ion) and an anion (negatively charged ion).

In this case, K represents potassium, a well-known alkali metal that forms a +1 ion. The CN in KCN is the cyanide ion, which is a polyatomic ion with a -1 charge. When these two ions combine, the resultant compound must have an overall neutral charge; thus, one potassium ion balances one cyanide ion.

The naming convention follows this pattern: the cation is named first (potassium) followed by the name of the anion (cyanide). Therefore, the correct and complete name of KCN is potassium cyanide, correctly reflecting its composition and structure.