Draw the Lewis structure for the NO2+ ion (nitrogen is the central atom). The correct Lewis structure has
- two single bonds and a total of 8 lone pairs
- two double bonds and a total of 4 lone pairs
- two single bonds and a total of 6 lone pairs
- one single bond, one double bond and a total of 6 lone pairs
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct Lewis structure for the NO₂⁺ (Nitronium ion) has:
✅ Two double bonds and a total of 4 lone pairs.
Explanation:
- Determine the total valence electrons:
- Nitrogen (N): 5 valence electrons
- Oxygen (O): 6 valence electrons × 2 = 12
- Total before charge adjustment: 5 + 12 = 17
- **Since NO₂⁺ has a +1 charge, we subtract one electron:
- Final total = 16 valence electrons.
- Determine the skeletal structure:
- Nitrogen (N) is the central atom since it is the least electronegative.
- The two oxygen (O) atoms will be bonded to nitrogen.
- Form bonds between N and O:
- We start by connecting N to O with single bonds, which initially uses 4 electrons (2 per bond).
- This leaves us with 12 electrons to distribute as lone pairs.
- Distribute remaining electrons:
- If we place lone pairs on oxygen atoms first, we realize that nitrogen has an incomplete octet (only 4 electrons around it).
- To complete nitrogen’s octet, we form double bonds with each oxygen.
- Now, each oxygen has a double bond with nitrogen and two lone pairs (4 electrons each).
- Check formal charges:
- Nitrogen: 5 – (0 non-bonding + 4 bonding pairs) = 5 – 4 = +1
- Oxygen (each): 6 – (4 non-bonding + 4 bonding) = 6 – 6 = 0
- The overall charge is +1, matching the ion’s charge.
- Final verification:
- All atoms have complete octets.
- The sum of formal charges equals +1, which is correct.
Thus, the best Lewis structure for NO₂⁺ has two double bonds and 4 lone pairs (2 per oxygen).
Now, I’ll generate an image of the Lewis structure.
Here is the Lewis structure diagram for the NO₂⁺ (Nitronium ion). The nitrogen is the central atom, forming two double bonds with oxygen, and each oxygen has two lone pairs. The entire structure carries a +1 charge. Let me know if you need any modifications!
