Draw the Lewis structure (including resonance structures) for methyl azide (CH3N3). Draw the molecule by placing atoms on the canvas and connecting them with bonds. Do not identify the charge on each of these species. Include all lone pairs of electrons.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The Lewis structure for methyl azide (CH3N3) involves the arrangement of atoms and bonds in the molecule. Here’s a step-by-step explanation:
Step 1: Count Valence Electrons
- Carbon (C) has 4 valence electrons.
- Hydrogen (H) has 1 valence electron, and since there are three hydrogens, that contributes 3 electrons.
- Nitrogen (N) has 5 valence electrons, and there are three nitrogens, contributing 15 electrons.
Total valence electrons = 4 (C) + 3 (H) + 15 (N) = 22 valence electrons.
Step 2: Connect Atoms
- Carbon (C) is the central atom and bonds to three hydrogens and one nitrogen atom (N1).
- Nitrogen atoms are connected linearly: N1 is bonded to C, N2 is bonded to N1, and N3 is bonded to N2.
Step 3: Place Lone Pairs
- Nitrogen typically forms three bonds (in this case, one with the adjacent nitrogen and one with carbon) and has one lone pair.
- Each nitrogen atom is arranged with a single bond to its neighbors, and lone pairs of electrons are placed on nitrogen atoms.
Step 4: Resonance Structures
Methyl azide (CH3N3) can exhibit resonance. The double bond in one of the nitrogen-nitrogen connections can shift, allowing multiple resonance structures to be drawn. These resonance structures involve the movement of electron pairs between the nitrogen atoms.
- The lone pairs and the bond order in different resonance structures could vary slightly, contributing to a delocalized electron distribution across the nitrogen atoms.
The structure shown here illustrates the general bonding arrangement, with lone pairs on the nitrogen atoms and single bonds depicted.
