Two nonequivalent Lewis structures can be drawn for the nitronium ion, NO₂⁺:
CHEMISTRY · Subjective · AP · Chemistry · Compound Structure and Properties · Compound Structure and Properties
Problem
Two nonequivalent Lewis structures can be drawn for the nitronium ion, NO₂⁺:
(A) O=N=O (both N–O bonds are double bonds)
(B) O≡N–O with the negative charge on the singly bonded O and a positive charge on the triply bonded O.
Identify which of these two structures is more plausible and justify your choice using formal-charge considerations.