Question

Examine the following two structures for the anilinium ion and choose the correct statement from the ones given below:

• A. (II) is not an acceptable canonical structure because carbonium ions are less stable than ammonium ions.
• B. (II) is not an acceptable canonical structure because it is non-aromatic.
• C. (II) is not an acceptable canonical structure because nitrogen has 10 valence electrons.
• D. (II) is an acceptable canonical structure.

Answer 1

The correct option is C (II) is not an acceptable canonical structure because nitrogen has 10 valence electrons.

Nitrogen can not have 10 valence electrons or in other words 5 covalent bonds. So, the second structure given in the question can not exist.