Lewis structure for ClNO2

  • #1

Homework Statement


Draw the lewis structure for ClNO2

The Attempt at a Solution


When I first drew this I had two double bonds in between the N and the Os. However, the answer suggests only one is a double bond in the structure. Why is this correct? Aren't we suppose to balance the formula charges? When I have 2 double bonds the formal charge for the oxygens are zero (6-4(lone pair electrons)-2(bonds pairs)) and the nitrogen (5-0(lone pair electrons)-5(bond pairs)) is zero as well.
 

Answers and Replies

  • #2
Nitro groups have weird Lewis structures. The best representation is as a resonance between two different structures (pic below), or as a combined structure as seen in this wiki page:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitro_compound
9E42F70E-9B05-4523-8DE5-F74A4C66EC59.png
 

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