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Chapter 10: Problem 50

The Lewis structure of nitric acid, \(\mathrm{HONO}_{2}\), is a resonance hybrid. How important do you think the contribution of the following structure is to the resonance hybrid? Explain.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The importance of the resonance structure in question to \(\mathrm{HONO}_{2}\)'s hybrid depends largely on its characteristics compared to other potential structures. Factors include obeisance to the octet rule, overall charge separation, and the presence of any atoms with unusual electron counts. More stable structures significantly contribute to the overall resonance hybrid, while less stable structures contribute less. Without specific structures provided, a definitive answer is not possible.

Step by step solution

01

Identify the Resonance Structures

First, recognise that multiple Lewis structures can represent the molecule (nitric acid in this case). Each of these is a possible resonance structure. Remember that real molecules are resonance hybrids; that is, they are a weighted average of all the possible resonance structures. Note that the question did not provide the Lewis structure in question, so make sure to have clarity or assumption on which structure is being referred.
02

Evaluate the Resonance Contributors

Evaluate the resonance contributors. Key factors to consider include: whether the structure obeys the octet rule (each atom should have 8 electrons in its valence shell with a few exceptions); whether the structure separates charge favourably, and whether the structure has any atoms with an unusual number of electrons. Structures with these features are generally less stable and therefore less important contributors to the resonance hybrid.
03

Determine the Significance of the Controversial Resonance Structures

The significance of each resonance structure in contributing to the overall properties of the molecule is proportional to its stability. In the context of resonance theory, more stable structures contribute more to the overall hybrid. If the provided structure has desirable characteristics as discussed earlier, it would likely have a significant contribution. However, the exact extent of its contribution cannot be determined without comparison to other possible resonance structures for nitric acid. In general, structures with more formal charges, separation of charge, or violated octet rule are less stable and contribute less to the resonant hybrid.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Of the following species, the one with a triple covalent bond is (a) \(\mathrm{NO}_{3}^{-} ;\) (b) \(\mathrm{CN}^{-} ;\) (c) \(\mathrm{CO}_{2} ;\) (d) \(\mathrm{AlCl}_{3}\).

Draw Lewis structures for two different molecules with the formula \(\mathrm{C}_{3} \mathrm{H}_{4}\). Is either of these molecules linear? Explain.

Predict the shapes of the following molecules, and then predict which would have resultant dipolemoments: (a) \(\mathrm{SO}_{2} ;\) (b) \(\mathrm{NH}_{3} ;\) (c) \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{S} ;\) (d) \(\mathrm{C}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{4} ;\) (e) \(\mathrm{SF}_{6}\); (f) \(\mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{Cl}_{2}\).

Which of the following have Lewis structures that \(d o\) not obey the octet rule: \(\mathrm{NF}_{3}, \mathrm{AlCl}_{3}, \mathrm{SiF}_{6}^{2-}, \mathrm{SO}_{3}, \mathrm{PH}_{4}^{+}\) \(\mathrm{PO}_{4}^{3-}, \mathrm{ClO}_{2} ?\)

Both oxidation state and formal charge involve conventions for assigning valence electrons to bonded atoms in compounds, but clearly they are not the same. Describe several ways in which these concepts differ.
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