QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
Two possible Lewis structures for the molecule HCN are given. Determine the formal charge on each atom in both structures.
Which structure is the best Lewis structure for HCN?
- ☐ The structure with carbon as the central atom.
- ☐ The structure with nitrogen as the central atom.
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Answer
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Step 1:: Calculate the formal charge for each atom in the first Lewis structure (carbon as the central atom).
The formal charge is calculated using the formula: For the carbon atom: Thus, the formal charge on the carbon atom is: For the hydrogen atom: Thus, the formal charge on the hydrogen atom is: For the nitrogen atom: Thus, the formal charge on the nitrogen atom is:
Step 2:: Calculate the formal charge for each atom in the second Lewis structure (nitrogen as the central atom).
For the nitrogen atom: Thus, the formal charge on the nitrogen atom is: For the carbon atom: Thus, the formal charge on the carbon atom is: For the hydrogen atom: Thus, the formal charge on the hydrogen atom is:
Step 3:: Compare the formal charges in both Lewis structures.
In the first Lewis structure, the formal charges are 0 for carbon, 0 for hydrogen, and 1 for nitrogen. In the second Lewis structure, the formal charges are 0 for carbon, 0 for hydrogen, and 2 for nitrogen.
Step 4:: Determine the best Lewis structure for HCN.
The formal charge should be as close to zero as possible for each atom. In the first Lewis structure, the formal charges are 0 for carbon and hydrogen and 1 for nitrogen. In the second Lewis structure, the formal charges are 0 for carbon and hydrogen but 2 for nitrogen. Therefore, the first Lewis structure with carbon as the central atom is the best Lewis structure for HCN.
Final Answer
The best Lewis structure for HCN is the one with carbon as the central atom.
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