Lewis structure for Nitrogen Dioxide

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The correct Lewis structures for Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) involve resonance, specifically a combination of structures 3 and 4. The discussion highlights that while traditional Lewis structures suggest placing electrons on the more electronegative atom (oxygen), the delocalization of electrons contributes to the stability of the molecule. Valid Lewis structures must adhere to the rule of no more than two electrons per orbital and a total of 23 electrons. The importance of each structure varies based on the orbital basis considered, such as s and p types or hybrids.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Lewis structures and resonance in molecular chemistry
  • Familiarity with electron delocalization concepts
  • Knowledge of valence electron counting and orbital filling rules
  • Basic grasp of molecular orbital theory
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the concept of resonance structures in more detail
  • Study the role of electron delocalization in molecular stability
  • Learn about molecular orbital theory and its application to NO2
  • Explore the significance of hybridization in Lewis structures
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, educators, and professionals interested in molecular structure analysis and resonance theory.

Bipolarity
Messages
773
Reaction score
2
I am pondering on what the correct Lewis structure(s) for Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) may be...
I have come up with 7 possible structures, but am unsure which are correct and which are not. I have compiled a small list of notes for your convenience and they are all in this picture.

Which structure(s) are correct and which are incorrect and why?

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/202/nitrogendioxide.jpg/
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
Its a resonance structure that is a combination of structures 3 and 4:
951452623.Ch.2.gif

Think about benzene. Its lewis structure isn't actually this:
benzene.gif

in reality its Lewis structure is this:
Benz3.png

because the double bonds are constantly changing position.
 
CrimpJiggler said:
Its a resonance structure that is a combination of structures 3 and 4:
951452623.Ch.2.gif

Think about benzene. Its lewis structure isn't actually this:
benzene.gif

in reality its Lewis structure is this:
Benz3.png

because the double bonds are constantly changing position.

But shouldn't the electrons be placed on the more electronegative atom, i.e. oxygen, so that nitrogen gets the lone pair, giving it Lewis structures 1 and 2?
 
It is chemical resonance, as CrimpJiggler said, but its not so much that the electrons are in constant fluctuation, but rather the odd electrons that could be bonded or non-bonded are involved in a sort of delocalized electron orbital that surrounds the entire molecule, apparently the delocalization of the electrons actually lowers their potential, making the resonant molecule more stable than either standard lewis formation.
 
In fact, you any valence structure which is compartible with none of the orbitals being filled by more than two electrons and a total of 23 electrons is valid and will contribute to some extent to the true wavefunction of the molecule. The relative importance of the structures depends not only on the molecule itself but also on the orbital basis considered (i.e. s and p type or hybrids, orthogonalized or not).
Nevertheless the two structures shown in the video will probably be most important, at least for a qualitative description of the molecule.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
7K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
Replies
1
Views
11K