Answer:
The Lewis structure for the polyatomic nitrite (NO₂⁻) anion:
N=O
|
N-O·
|
O·
Step-by-step explanation:
The Lewis structure for the polyatomic nitrite anion, NO-2, can be drawn by following these steps:
- Count the total number of valence electrons in the molecule. Nitrogen contributes 5 valence electrons, and each oxygen contributes 6 valence electrons. Since there is a negative charge, add an additional electron.
- Determine the bond connectivities. Nitrogen is connected to two oxygen atoms.
- Place the remaining electrons around the atoms to satisfy the octet rule. Oxygen should have 8 electrons around it, while nitrogen may have more than 8 electrons.
- Check if any of the atoms have less than an octet. If so, move electrons from multiple bonds to form double or triple bonds to achieve an octet around all atoms.
- Draw all resonance structures that satisfy the octet rule. Resonance structures differ in the arrangement of multiple bonds while maintaining the same overall connectivity of atoms.
The Lewis structure of the nitrite anion, NO-2, can have three resonance structures. Each structure has a double bond between one oxygen and nitrogen, while the other oxygen carries a lone pair.