Resonance and Formal Charge

AP Chemistry· difficulty 3/5

The nitrite ion (NO2-) is shown in two resonance structures. In each, one N-O bond is single and the other is double.

O N O <=> O N O

The actual nitrite ion has:

  • A

    Two equivalent N-O bonds with bond order 1.5

    check_circle
  • B

    Two different N-O bond lengths

  • C

    Three equivalent bonds of order 1.33

  • D

    One single and one double bond, frozen in place

Explanation

Resonance averages the structures: both N-O bonds are equivalent with bond order 1.5.

Want 10 more like this — adaptive to your weak spots?

Related questions