Why Does ClNO2 Have Only One Double Bond in Its Lewis Structure?

In summary, the Lewis structure for ClNO2 can be represented as a resonance between two structures, one with a double bond between N and one O, and the other with a double bond between the other O and a single bond between N and the first O. This is because nitro groups have unique Lewis structures and can be best represented as a resonance structure or a combined structure.
  • #1
JustinLiang
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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.
 
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  • #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
 

FAQ: Why Does ClNO2 Have Only One Double Bond in Its Lewis Structure?

What is the Lewis structure for ClNO2?

The Lewis structure for ClNO2 is a representation of the molecule that shows the arrangement of atoms, bonds, and lone pairs of electrons. It consists of a central chlorine atom bonded to a nitrogen atom and two oxygen atoms. The chlorine atom has three lone pairs of electrons, the nitrogen atom has one lone pair, and each oxygen atom has two lone pairs.

How many valence electrons are in ClNO2?

There are 24 valence electrons in ClNO2. Chlorine contributes 7 electrons, nitrogen contributes 5 electrons, and each oxygen contributes 6 electrons.

3. What is the formal charge of each atom in ClNO2?

The formal charge of an atom is the difference between the number of valence electrons and the number of electrons in the Lewis structure. In ClNO2, the chlorine atom has a formal charge of 0, the nitrogen atom has a formal charge of 0, and each oxygen atom has a formal charge of -1.

4. Is ClNO2 polar or nonpolar?

ClNO2 is a polar molecule. The bond between chlorine and nitrogen is polar due to the difference in electronegativity between the two atoms. The molecule also has a bent shape, which further contributes to its polarity.

5. What is the molecular geometry of ClNO2?

The molecular geometry of ClNO2 is bent. This shape is determined by the arrangement of atoms and lone pairs of electrons around the central chlorine atom. The molecule has a bond angle of approximately 120 degrees.

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