The correct answer is answer choice C. "A and B". I am not sure why - what is the thought process/concepts used? Thanks in advance.

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The correct answer is answer choice C. "A and B". I am not sure why - what is the thought process/concepts used? Thanks in advance.

Dinitrogen oxide (nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas”) is sometimes used as an anesthetic. Here are some data about the N₂O molecule: the bond length between the two nitrogen atoms is 113 pm, and the bond length between the nitrogen and oxygen is 119 pm. Using this information, and the information in the table below, which Lewis structure(s) do you think contributes most to the resonance hybrid?

### Bond Length Information
- **N-N:** 145 pm
- **N=N:** 123 pm
- **N≡N:** 110 pm

- **N-O:** 136 pm
- **N=O:** 120 pm

### Lewis Structures

- **A:** :N≡N—O:
- **B:** :N=N=O:
- **C:** :N—N≡O:
- **D:** :N—O—N:

### Explanation of Structures

The bond lengths provided suggest that in N₂O, the bond between the nitrogens (113 pm) falls between a double bond (123 pm) and a triple bond (110 pm). The bond between nitrogen and oxygen (119 pm) is close to a double bond (120 pm), suggesting significant resonance. The structure contributing most to the resonance hybrid would likely emphasize these bond characteristics.
Transcribed Image Text:Dinitrogen oxide (nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas”) is sometimes used as an anesthetic. Here are some data about the N₂O molecule: the bond length between the two nitrogen atoms is 113 pm, and the bond length between the nitrogen and oxygen is 119 pm. Using this information, and the information in the table below, which Lewis structure(s) do you think contributes most to the resonance hybrid? ### Bond Length Information - **N-N:** 145 pm - **N=N:** 123 pm - **N≡N:** 110 pm - **N-O:** 136 pm - **N=O:** 120 pm ### Lewis Structures - **A:** :N≡N—O: - **B:** :N=N=O: - **C:** :N—N≡O: - **D:** :N—O—N: ### Explanation of Structures The bond lengths provided suggest that in N₂O, the bond between the nitrogens (113 pm) falls between a double bond (123 pm) and a triple bond (110 pm). The bond between nitrogen and oxygen (119 pm) is close to a double bond (120 pm), suggesting significant resonance. The structure contributing most to the resonance hybrid would likely emphasize these bond characteristics.
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