N 1864, the Solvay process was developed to make soda ash. One step in the process is represented by the balanced equation below. What is the Lewis electron-dot diagram representing the reactant containing nitrogen in the equation?

#NaCl + NH_3 + CO_2 + H_2O -> NaHCO_3 + NH_4Cl#

1 Answer
Nov 20, 2016

You want a Lewis representation of ammonia?

Explanation:

There are 5 electrons from nitrogen, and three electrons from hydrogen. 3 of the nitrogen-centred electrons pair with the 3 hydrogen electrons to make #3xxN-H# bonds.

The remaing 2 electrons are nitrogen centred, and form a nitrogen lone pair. The geometry around nitrogen is trigonal pyramidal to a first approx.