QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
"Consider nitrous acid, HNO₂ (HONO)
What is the molecular geometry of the nitrogen in HNO^2?
O Octahedral
O Triangular planar
O Linear
O Tetrahedral"
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Answer
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Step 1:I'll solve this step by step using VSEPR theory to determine the molecular geometry of nitrogen in nitrous acid (HNO₂).
Step 2:: Determine the Lewis structure of HNO₂
- Total valence electrons: $$1 + 5 + 12 = 18$$ electrons
- Nitrogen is the central atom - Count the valence electrons: * Hydrogen: 1 electron * Nitrogen: 5 electrons * Oxygen (two oxygen atoms): 6 × 2 = 12 electrons
Step 3:: Analyze the electron arrangement around nitrogen
- Draw the Lewis structure showing single and double bonds - One oxygen is double-bonded to nitrogen - One oxygen is single-bonded to nitrogen and hydrogen - Nitrogen has one lone pair of electrons
Step 4:: Determine electron domain geometry
- Count electron domains around nitrogen - Double bond = 1 domain - Single bond = 1 domain - Lone pair = 1 domain - Total electron domains: 3 domains
Step 5:: Apply VSEPR theory
- 3 electron domains around central nitrogen - Electron domain geometry is trigonal planar - Presence of a lone pair slightly distorts the geometry
Step 6:: Determine molecular geometry
- With 3 electron domains and 1 lone pair - Molecular geometry is bent (not perfectly planar) - Bond angle will be slightly less than 120°
Final Answer
The molecular geometry of nitrogen in HNO₂ is triangular planar, with a slight deviation due to the lone pair on the nitrogen atom.
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