Does NO2- have a dipole?

1 Answer
Nov 28, 2015

Try drawing out the resonance structure. Which atom can make the most bonds? #"N"# or #"O"#? That atom should sensibly be in the center, right? So...

How many valence electrons does this have?

#"N"#: #5#
#"O"#: #2xx6 = 12#
From #-1# charge: #1#
Total: #18#

Did you get this?

If not, check your bonds. The major resonance structure has one double bond.

CHALLENGE: What are the formal charges here? Do you think a bent molecule has a dipole moment? Which direction does it point?

Hint: Try drawing the resonance hybrid structure, and consider dipole moment vector diagrams like these when determining how to draw your dipole moment vector.

http://chemwiki.ucdavis.edu/