QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
Which of the following resonance structures for OCN−
will contribute most to the correct structure of OCN−?
A. O=C=N, with one lone pair on O, two lone pairs on C, and one lone pair on N
B. O−C≡N, with three lone pairs on O and one lone pair on N
C. O≡C−N, with one lone pair on O and three lone pairs on N
D. O=C=N, with two lone pairs on O and two lone pairs on N
E. They all contribute equally to the correct structure of OCN−
.
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Answer
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Step 1:Let's solve this step by step:
Step 2:: Analyze the Resonance Structures
To determine which resonance structure contributes most, we need to consider: - Formal charges - Electron distribution - Electronegativity of atoms - Stability of the structure
Step 3:: Calculate Formal Charges
\text{Formal Charge} = \text{Valence Electrons} - \text{Lone Pair Electrons} - \frac{1}{2}\text{Bonding Electrons}
For each structure, we'll calculate the formal charge using the formula:
Step 4:: Evaluate Option A
\text{N: } 5 - 1 - \frac{1}{2}(4) = 1
\text{C: } 4 - 4 - \frac{1}{2}(4) = 0 This structure has minimal charge separation.
Step 5:: Evaluate Option B
\text{N: } 5 - 1 - \frac{1}{2}(2) = 3
\text{C: } 4 - 2 - \frac{1}{2}(4) = 1 This structure has significant charge separation.
Step 6:: Evaluate Option C
\text{N: } 5 - 3 - \frac{1}{2}(2) = 1
\text{C: } 4 - 2 - \frac{1}{2}(4) = 1 This structure has extreme charge separation.
Step 7:: Evaluate Option D
\text{N: } 5 - 2 - \frac{1}{2}(4) = 1
\text{C: } 4 - 2 - \frac{1}{2}(4) = 0 Similar to Option A, but with different electron distribution.
Step 8:: Conclusion
Option A (O=C=N) contributes most because: - Minimal formal charge - Symmetric electron distribution - Follows the octet rule - Minimizes charge separation
Final Answer
O=C=N, with one lone pair on O, two lone pairs on C, and one lone pair on N will contribute most to the correct structure of OCN−.
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