Question

Would either HNO2 or NO2− be expected to exhibit resonance, producing one or more equivalent structures?

A. HNO2 only
B. NO2− only
C. Both HNO2 and NO2−
D. Neither HNO2 nor NO2−

Answer 1

Both HNO2 and NO2− are expected to exhibit resonance, producing one or more equivalent structures.

Step-by-step explanation:

Both HNO2 and NO2− are expected to exhibit resonance, producing one or more equivalent structures. Resonance occurs when two or more Lewis structures with the same arrangement of atoms can be written for a molecule or ion, and the actual distribution of electrons is an average of that shown by the various resonance forms.

For HNO2, the resonance forms include the distribution of electrons through the double bond and the single bond between nitrogen and oxygen.

For NO2−, the resonance forms include the distribution of electrons through the double bond between nitrogen and one oxygen, and the single bond between nitrogen and the other oxygen.