Identify the five compounds of \(\mathrm{H}, \mathrm{N}\), and \(\mathrm{O}\)
described below. For each compound, write a Lewis structure that is consistent
with the information given.
a. All the compounds are electrolytes, although not all of them are strong
electrolytes. Compounds \(\mathrm{C}\) and \(\mathrm{D}\) are ionic and compound
\(\mathrm{B}\) is covalent.
b. Nitrogen occurs in its highest possible oxidation state in compounds
\(\mathrm{A}\) and \(\mathrm{C}\); nitrogen occurs in its lowest possible
oxidation state in compounds \(\mathrm{C}, \mathrm{D}\), and \(\mathrm{E}\). The
formal charge on both nitrogens in compound \(\mathrm{C}\) is \(+1\); the formal
charge on the only nitrogen in compound \(\mathrm{B}\) is \(0 .\)
c. Compounds A and E exist in solution. Both solutions give off gases.
Commercially available concentrated solutions of compound \(\mathrm{A}\) are
normally \(16 M .\) The commercial, concentrated solution of compound
\(\mathrm{E}\) is \(15 M\).
d. Commercial solutions of compound \(\mathrm{E}\) are labeled with a misnomer
that implies that a binary, gaseous compound of nitrogen and hydrogen has
reacted with water to produce ammonium ions and hydroxide ions. Actually, this
reaction occurs to only a slight extent.
e. Compound \(\mathrm{D}\) is \(43.7 \% \mathrm{~N}\) and \(50.0 \% \mathrm{O}\) by
mass. If compound D were a gas at STP, it would have a density of \(2.86
\mathrm{~g} / \mathrm{L}\).
f. A formula unit of compound \(\mathrm{C}\) has one more oxygen than a formula
unit of compound D. Compounds \(\mathrm{C}\) and \(\mathrm{A}\) have one ion in
common when compound \(\mathrm{A}\) is acting as a strong electrolyte.
g. Solutions of compound \(\mathrm{C}\) are weakly acidic; solutions of compound
\(\mathrm{A}\) are strongly acidic; solutions of compounds \(\mathrm{B}\) and
\(\mathrm{E}\) are basic. The titration of \(0.726 \mathrm{~g}\) compound
\(\mathrm{B}\) requires \(21.98 \mathrm{~mL}\) of \(1.000 M \mathrm{HCl}\) for
complete neutralization.
