Question

Label formal charges and predict which of the following is the most likely resonance structure for $N_{2}O$ :

• A. $:N\equiv N=\ddot{O:}$
• B. $:\ddot{N}=O=\ddot{N:}$
• C. $:\ddot{N}=O=\ddot{O:}$
• D. $:N\equiv N-\underset{..}{\ddot{O}}:$

Answer 1

The correct option is D $:N\equiv N-\underset{..}{\ddot{O}}:$

$⟶$ The IIIrd structure is the most likely resonance structure.

$⟶$ We can decide this by checking the formal changes on each of the atom.

$⟶$ Th most electronegative atom ( i.e. Oxygen) having the highest negative charge is the most likely resonating structure.

$⟶$ Oxygen has a formal charge of -1 in the IIIrd structure.