What is the Lewis structure for CN_2H_2?

1 Answer
Feb 4, 2015

In order to determine the Lewis structure of methanediimine, or CN_2H_2, you must first determine the molecule's total number of valence electrons.

This is done by adding the valence electrons of each of the atoms that form the molecule

4 * (1) + 2 * (5) + 2 * (1) = "16e"^(-)

Carbon contributes 4 valence electrons, each of the nitrogen atom acontributes 5, and each of the hydrogen atoms contributes 1 valence electron.

So, start by connecting all the atoms with single bonds.

http://chem-net.blogspot.ro/2012/11/construction-of-lewis-electron-dot.htmlhttp://chem-net.blogspot.ro/2012/11/construction-of-lewis-electron-dot.html

Each single bond has 2 electrons, so we've used up 4 * 2 = 8 valence electrons. Now focus on giving the carbon atom a full octet.

http://chem-net.blogspot.ro/2012/11/construction-of-lewis-electron-dot.htmlhttp://chem-net.blogspot.ro/2012/11/construction-of-lewis-electron-dot.html

Now you only have to work with 4 valence electrons, since 12 have been used up already. Give the two nitrogen atoms full octets as well by placing a lone pair of electrons on each atom

http://chem-net.blogspot.ro/2012/11/construction-of-lewis-electron-dot.htmlhttp://chem-net.blogspot.ro/2012/11/construction-of-lewis-electron-dot.html

This will complete the Lewis structure of the molecule, since all 16 valence electrons are placed on the molecule.