We report rate coefficients (k(tot,i)) for the total removal of CN(X(2)Sigma(+), v = 2, N-i) radicals from selected levels between N-i = 0 and 57 in collisions with N-2 and C2H2. Additionally, state-to-state rate coefficients (k(i-f)) have been measured for rotational energy transfer in collisions of CN(X(2)Sigma(+), v = 2, Ni = 0 and 1) with N-2 and C2H2. In the case of CN + C2H2, by comparing the values of k(tot,i) with the sum of the state-to-state rate coefficients (Sigma(f)k (i-->f)), we infer the rate constants for reaction (k(reac,i)) of CN(X(2)Sigma(+), v = 2, N-i = 0 and 1) with C2H2. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.