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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements correctly describes the Lewis dot structure of the neutral compound N3 (azide ion)?
A
It contains one resonance structure with a bent geometry and a total of 18 valence electrons.
B
It contains two resonance structures with a triangular arrangement of nitrogen atoms and a total of 14 valence electrons.
C
It contains three resonance structures, each with a linear arrangement of nitrogen atoms and a total of 16 valence electrons.
D
It contains two resonance structures with a total of 16 valence electrons and a linear arrangement of nitrogen atoms.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Determine the total number of valence electrons for the azide ion (N3⁻). Each nitrogen atom contributes 5 valence electrons, and since the ion has a -1 charge, add 1 extra electron. So, total valence electrons = 3 × 5 + 1 = 16.
Recognize that the azide ion consists of three nitrogen atoms arranged linearly, as nitrogen atoms tend to form linear chains in such ions due to their bonding preferences and electron repulsions.
Draw possible Lewis structures that distribute the 16 valence electrons among the three nitrogen atoms, ensuring that each structure satisfies the octet rule as much as possible and accounts for the negative charge.
Identify resonance structures by moving electrons (especially pi bonds and lone pairs) between the nitrogen atoms without changing the positions of the atoms themselves. For azide, there are three such resonance structures, each showing different placements of double and triple bonds along the linear chain.
Confirm that all resonance structures have the same total number of valence electrons (16) and maintain a linear geometry, which supports the statement that the azide ion has three resonance structures with linear arrangement and 16 valence electrons.