How to draw Lewis structure of molecules with N

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges of drawing Lewis structures for molecules containing nitrogen, specifically focusing on the example of H2CNN. Participants explore the correct bonding arrangements and the implications of valence bond structures.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in drawing the correct Lewis structure for H2CNN, initially proposing a double bond between carbon and nitrogen and a single bond between the nitrogens.
  • Another participant suggests that while the initial structure is a valid representation, it may not be the most significant one due to the rightmost nitrogen having only a sextet, proposing a transformation to fulfill the octet rule for all atoms.
  • A third participant requests additional examples of similar problems to practice, indicating a desire for further exploration of the topic.
  • One participant acknowledges the help received, indicating that the discussion has been beneficial.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best Lewis structure for H2CNN, and multiple viewpoints regarding the significance of different bonding arrangements remain present.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the completeness of examples and the specific criteria for determining the importance of various Lewis structures, which are not fully resolved in the discussion.

Who May Find This Useful

Students and individuals interested in chemistry, particularly those learning about molecular structures and bonding involving nitrogen.

tinir
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Many times, I find it hard to draw correct Lewis structure of molecules with nitrogen. For instance: the Lewis structure of H2CNN. I thought it should be double bond between C and N and single bond between N and N, like this:
Photo on 3-17-13 at 1.54 PM_meitu_1.jpg

But actually it's not. I have done many problems like this wrong.

Please help me out! Thx!
 
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That's certainly a correct Lewis structure for this molecule. However, when viewed at as a representation of a valence bond structure, it may not be a structure with high importance.
The point is that the rightmost nitrogen has only a sextet. Transforming the lone pair of the central atom into a bond between the two nitrogens will lead to a structure fulfilling the octet rule on all atoms.
 
Thank you so much! It helps me a lot!
 
Could you give some more examples (just the molecular formula, not necessarily your attempts) of problems like this (since as you say you've tried several of them)? Because I originally did not get this one straight away and would love to work on a few more :)
 
OK, I will reply to you when I find those problems. I could not remember where exactly are they.
 

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