Question

What is the Lewis structure of nitrite ion, `NO_2^(-)`?

Answer 1

Well, we gots `5(N)+2xx6(O)+1("negative charge")` valence electrons to distribute....

Explanation:

And thus,...`O=ddotN-O^-`; from left atom to right atom, there are 6, 5, and 7 valence electrons associated with each atom, and hence formal charges of `0,0,` and `-1`.

The electron pairs are distributed in a trigonal plane, but the geometry is bent with `/_O-N-O>120^@`, due to the disproportionate influence of the nitrogen lone pair.....