Chapter 8, Problem 8.161AP

(a)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The Lewis structure for all the resonance forms of linear ${\text{N}}_{\text{4}}$, the Lewis structure of the cyclic ${\text{N}}_{\text{4}}$ and the assigned formal charges, are to be stated.

Concept introduction: The Lewis symbols of the atoms indicate the total number of valence electrons surrounding the atom or the ions.

Formal charge is calculated by the formula,

$\text{Formal}\text{charge}=\left(\begin{array}{l}\text{Valence}\text{electrons}\\ -\left(\text{Number}\text{of}\text{nonbonding}\text{electrons}+\frac{\text{Number}\text{of}\text{bonding}\text{electrons}}{2}\right)\end{array}\right)$

To determine: The Lewis structure of all the resonance forms of linear ${\text{N}}_{\text{4}}$.

(b)

Interpretation Introduction

To determine: The assigned formal charge for all the resonance forms of linear ${\text{N}}_{\text{4}}$ to identify the structure that best describes ${\text{N}}_{\text{4}}$.

(c)

Interpretation Introduction

To determine: The Lewis structure for a cyclic ${\text{N}}_{\text{4}}$ and the assigned formal charge.