What is the Lewis structure of #NO_3^-1#?

1 Answer
Apr 24, 2016

#O=N^(+)(-O^-)_2#

Explanation:

#"Electrons "= 3xx6+5+1=24, "thus 12 electron pairs"#

The nitrogen is quaternized and bears a formal positive charge. The doubly bound oxygen is neutral. The two singly bound oxygen atoms have formal negative charges. Of course, the negative charges are delocalized around the 3 oxygen centres.