Question

Which of the following pairs of species have the same bond order?

• A. $C{N}^{-}$ and $N{O}^{+}$
• B. $C{N}^{-}$ and $C{N}^{+}$
• C. $O_2^{-}$ and $C{N}^{-}$
• D. $N{O}^{+}$ and $C{N}^{+}$

Answer 1

The correct option is A $C{N}^{-}$ and $N{O}^{+}$

Species containing the same number of electrons have the same bond order.

$C{N}^{-}$ - $14$ electrons ($6$ from carbon, $7$ from nitrogen, add $1$ for negative charge)
$N{O}^{+}$ - $14$ electrons ($8$ from oxygen, $7$ from nitrogen, subtract $1$ for positive charge)

$C{N}^{+}$ - $12$ electrons ($6$ from carbon, $7$ from nitrogen, subtract $1$ for positive charge)
$O_2^{-}$ - $17$ electrons ($8$ from each oxygen, add $1$ for negative charge).

Hence, $C{N}^{-}$ and $N{O}^{+}$ have the same bond order.