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.

Chemistry
10th Edition
ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ: Define and explain the differences between the following terms. a. law and theory b. theory and...
icon
Related questions
Question

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.
Expert Solution
steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Tools in Analytical Chemistry
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, chemistry and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
Recommended textbooks for you
Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305957404
Author:
Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781259911156
Author:
Raymond Chang Dr., Jason Overby Professor
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
Principles of Instrumental Analysis
Principles of Instrumental Analysis
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305577213
Author:
Douglas A. Skoog, F. James Holler, Stanley R. Crouch
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Organic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9780078021558
Author:
Janice Gorzynski Smith Dr.
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
Chemistry: Principles and Reactions
Chemistry: Principles and Reactions
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305079373
Author:
William L. Masterton, Cecile N. Hurley
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Bind…
Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Bind…
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781118431221
Author:
Richard M. Felder, Ronald W. Rousseau, Lisa G. Bullard
Publisher:
WILEY