Question

What formal charges are present in the compound $C_6{H}_{5}C\equiv N-OH$?

• A. $N$ is -1 and $C$ is + 1
• B. $N$ is +1 and $C$ is -1
• C. $O$ is -1 and $C$ is +1
• D. $O$ is zero and N is +1

Answer 1

The correct option is D $O$ is zero and N is +1

For nitrogen,

Formal charge $=5-\frac{1}{2}\left(8\right)=+1$

For oxygen,

Formal charge $=6-4-\frac{1}{2}\left(4\right)=0$

For carbon,

Formal charge $=4-\frac{1}{2}\left(8\right)=0$