How many resonance structures does the nitrate ion, #NO_3^-1# have?

1 Answer
anor277
May 26, 2016

#3# resonance isomers are possible, but this is a formalism.

Explanation:

Nitrate ion is a good example to practise on, because a single resonance resonance isomer depicts 3 of the four atoms in the negative ion with formal charges:

i.e. #""^+N(=O)(-O^-)_2#. The nitrogen centre is quaternized with a formal positive charge, and the formally singly bound oxygen each bear a formal negative charge. How are the 24 valence electrons distributed?

Related questions
See all questions in Drawing Lewis Structures
Impact of this question
5238 views around the world
You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License