Kirsten H.

asked • 01/14/21

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Be sure to indicate all non-zero formal charges in the structure.


Draw the Lewis Structure of NO43-, including lone pair electrons, with the formal charges minimized.




Please help me. I have reworked it over 8 times and it is saying that i have everything correct except it shows “can a second period element such as N expand its octet?” and I have no idea how to correct it.

J.R. S.

tutor
What did you put down that it says it's correct except something about an expanded octet for N. Since N is a second row element, it should not have an expanded octet. To be honest, I've not heard of NO4^3- except for the peroxynitrate anion but it has a 1- charge, not a 3-.
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01/14/21

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JACQUES D. answered • 01/14/21

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Strange question. N does NOT take on an expanded octet. If N is the central atom, the only octet rule solution is N singly bonded to the 4 Os and there are no lone pairs (-1 FC for each O and +3 for N) called the orthonitrate ion Maybe they are saying you have to draw the 6 lone pairs on the Os?


NO4- is a lot more interesting and has an interesting formal charge solution.





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J.R. S.

tutor
N would have +1 FC when singly bonded to 4 O atoms for a net charge of 3- as indicated.
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01/14/21

JACQUES D.

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yes , you are correct. thank you.
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01/14/21

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