What is the lewis structure for NO_3^-?

1 Answer
anor277
Apr 25, 2016

24 valence electrons (3xx6+5+1); 3 atoms possess a formal charge.

Explanation:

O=N^(+)(-O^-)_2 is the standard Lewis structure. Going from left to right, there are 6 electrons around O (hence neutral), 4 electrons around N (hence positive), and 7 electrons around the rightmost oxygens (hence each is a formal anion).

The formal charge can be summed to -1 as required. Of course, the charges are conceived to be delocalized across the structure.

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