What is the resonance structure for #NO_2^-#?

1 Answer
anor277
Apr 28, 2016

#O=N-O^-#. This is a bent molecule, with a lone pair of electrons on the central nitrogen.

Explanation:

There are 18 electrons to distribute over 3 centres (i.e. #2xx6+5+1#), and an associated formal negative charge.

Clearly, the alternative structure #""^(-)O-N=O# is equivalent, And the geometry of the nitrogen lone pair, and the #2# #N-O# bonds are trigonal planar to a first approximation.

#/_O-N-O<120^@# due to the influence of the nitrogen lone pair.

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