Cyanogen is a chemical compound C2N2. The CN entity behaves like a halogen. As do halogens, it forms molecules consisting of two CN groups, N≡C-C≡N. Compounds containing the CN group are called cyanides, cyanates , and isocyanates. "Cyanogen" refers to a single CN group in some molecules, such as cyanogen chloride (NCCl).
Cyanogen can be harmful to the human body. It is found in some foodstuffs, but in small quantities it is considered harmless.
See also: pseudohalogen