Two different Lewis structures have been suggested for HCN
CHEMISTRY · Subjective · AP · Chemistry · Compound Structure and Properties · Compound Structure and Properties
Problem
Two different Lewis structures have been suggested for HCN.
Structure 1: H—C≡N:, with a triple bond between C and N and one lone pair on N.
Structure 2: H—C=N:, with a double bond between C and N, two lone pairs on N, and two lone pairs on C.
Indicate which structure better satisfies formal-charge considerations and the octet rule, and state one specific reason the other structure is less favorable.