Experimental measurements show that all N–O bonds in are identical in length
CHEMISTRY · Single correct · AP · Chemistry · Compound Structure and Properties · Compound Structure and Properties
Problem
Experimental measurements show that all N–O bonds in NO3− are identical in length. Which of the following statements best accounts for this observation?
(a) Because the nitrogen atom is sp2 hybridized, the three equivalent sp2 orbitals form identical N–O σ bonds, so all N–O bonds have the same length.
(b) The nitrate ion is continually flipping among three Lewis structures; the rapid oscillation averages each bond between single and double character, making the observed bond lengths identical.
(c) The nitrate ion exists as a resonance hybrid in which the π electron density is delocalized equally over the three N–O bonds, giving each bond identical bond order and length.
(d) Since the single negative charge is evenly distributed over the three oxygens, each N–O bond is a pure single bond, so all three are the same length.