Question

The correct order of increasing bond angles in
the following triatomic species is :

• A. $NO_{2}^{+}< NO_{2}
• B. $NO_{2}^{+}< NO_{2}^{-}
• C. $NO_{2}^{-}
• D. $NO_{2}^{-}< NO_{2}

Answer 1

The correct option is D $NO_{2}^{-}< NO_{2}

$N{O}_2^{+}$ has no unpaired electrons. Hence, it will be linear i.e. bond angle is ${180}^0$

${NO}_2$ has one unpaired electron pair which causes repulsion due to which bond angle decreases to ${132}^0$.

$N{O}_2^{+}$ has one unpaired electron pair which causes repulsion due to which bond pairs becomes more close and thus decreases the bond angle of ${115}^0$

Hence, order of bond angles is

${NO}_2^{-}<{NO}_2<N_2^{+}$