Reaction mechanism

[anabourdais]

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

I have been working at this for about two days now and haven't really gotten any further. Unfortunately my teacher is away but last time he checked it over he said I was 'almost there' so a few extra nudges in the right direction would be appreciated!

I'm trying to write out the reaction mechanism for the formation of acid rain from atmospheric nitrogen. I know the general equations to go through but when it comes to showing the movement of electrons with 'curly arrows' I get stuck!

2. Relevant equations

1. O + N≡N → N=O + N

2. N + O=O → O + N=O

3. 2N=O + O=O → 2O=N=O

4. N=O + O=O=O → O=O + O=N=O

5. O=N=O + O-H → H=O=N=O
¦¦
O

3. The attempt at a solution

I know that electrons from the triple bond of the nitrogen in step 1 move to one N atom and this means that the O is attracted to the other N and they form NO.
I can also complete number 2 (i think) as it is the same as above, with different compounds. It's number 3 onwards that cause the problems.

any help appreciated!