Question

In nitryl chloride, \(\mathrm{NO}_{2} \mathrm{Cl}\), there is no oxygen-oxygen bond. Write a Lewis structure for the molecule. Write any resonance structures for this molecule.

Short answer

The Lewis structure features a central nitrogen with one \(N=O\) double bond, and two resonance structures exist by relocating the double bond between the two oxygens.

Step-by-step solution

Count Valence Electrons

First, we calculate the total number of valence electrons available to form nitryl chloride, \( \mathrm{NO}_{2} \mathrm{Cl} \). Nitrogen (N) has 5 valence electrons, oxygen (O) has 6 valence electrons each, and chlorine (Cl) has 7 valence electrons. Thus, the total number of valence electrons is \( 5 + 2\times6 + 7 = 24 \) electrons.

Determine Central Atom

In \( \mathrm{NO}_{2} \mathrm{Cl} \), nitrogen is the central atom because it can form more bonds compared to oxygen or chlorine. Generally, the atom with the lowest electron affinity is selected as the central atom.

Connect Atoms with Single Bonds

Connect the central nitrogen atom to the two oxygen atoms and one chlorine atom using single bonds. Each bond uses 2 electrons. Hence, we utilize \(3\times2 = 6\) electrons, leaving us with \(24 - 6 = 18\) electrons.

Distribute Remaining Electrons Around Outer Atoms

Distribute the remaining 18 electrons around the outer atoms (oxygen and chlorine) to satisfy their octet. Each oxygen atom will have 6 remaining electrons (3 lone pairs each), and the chlorine atom will have 6 electrons (3 lone pairs). This uses up all the remaining electrons.

Adjust for Octet on Nitrogen

Check the octet for the nitrogen atom. Currently, it has only 3 bonds (6 electrons). Transfer one lone pair from one of the oxygen atoms to form a double bond with nitrogen, ensuring it achieves an octet. Now, one oxygen has a double bond, while the other remains single-bonded to nitrogen.

Assess Resonance Structures

For resonance, move the double bond to the other oxygen. Thus, the double bond can be between N and either oxygen, creating two resonance structures. In each structure, nitrogen forms one double and two single bonds, one with the other oxygen and one with chlorine.

Key concepts

Valence Electrons

Valence electrons are the outermost electrons in an atom. They play a crucial role in chemical bonding, especially in forming Lewis structures.
The valence electrons determine an atom's ability to form covalent bonds.
In the molecule nitryl chloride, \( \text{NO}_2 \text{Cl} \), calculating these electrons is the first step in predicting molecular structure.

To find the total number of valence electrons, add together the contributions from each element: nitrogen (N) with 5 electrons, oxygen (O) with 6 per atom (2 atoms in total), and chlorine (Cl) with 7 electrons.
This results in a sum of \( 5 + 2\times6 + 7 = 24 \) electrons available for bonding.

Understanding valence electrons is essential, as they form the framework of Lewis structures:

• They dictate how atoms will connect in a molecule.
• They help adjust bonds to satisfy stability rules, such as the octet rule.
• They provide the basis for predicting molecule shape and reactivity.

Mastering valence electrons allows for accurate prediction of molecular structures and properties.

Resonance Structures

Resonance structures are a way to represent the reality of some molecules whose single Lewis structure doesn't fully describe their electronic structure.
In the Lewis structure exercise for nitryl chloride, resonance structures demonstrate how the double bond location can shift between the two oxygen atoms.

Resonance doesn't mean the molecule flips between these structures; instead, the actual electronic arrangement is a hybrid of these forms.
This helps to stabilize molecules by allowing electrons to be delocalized across different atoms, rather than being locked in one position.

Resonance structures can be identified by:

• Analyzing the potential for electrons to be shared differently between atoms.
• Considering other arrangements of multiple bonds and lone pairs while satisfying atoms' octets.
• Using double-headed arrows to indicate different valid electron configurations.

Learning about resonance helps understand real electron distribution, which impacts chemical behavior and reactivity.

Molecular Bonding

Molecular bonding refers to the forces holding atoms together in a molecule.
In nitryl chloride, this involves covalent bonds formed by sharing valence electrons.
This chemical bonding is what gives the molecule its structure and stability.

Understanding molecular bonding involves:

• Recognizing that the central atom, nitrogen, shares electrons with surrounding oxygen and chlorine to form stable bonds.
• Using single, double, or even triple bonds to satisfy the octet rule (8 electrons around each atom).
• Balancing electron sharing to ensure stability across the molecule.

In our example, nitrogen forms two single bonds (one with each oxygens) and one single bond with chlorine initially, but adjusts to form a double bond with one oxygen to satisfy the octet rule.
Knowledge of molecular bonding is crucial for predicting molecule shapes, properties, and chemical reactions.