The nitrite ion, NO2⁻

CHEMISTRY · Subjective · A Level · Chemistry · Bonding · Bonding

Problem

The nitrite ion, NO2⁻, could in principle be drawn with either nitrogen or oxygen as the central atom. Justify why nitrogen is chosen as the central atom in the Lewis diagram that minimizes formal charges.

Related theory

Covalent Bonding
Lewis structures and molecular shapes
Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
Covalent Lewis structures

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