Maximum bond angle at nitrogen is present in which of the following?
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Quick Answer
Option D — To determine the maximum bond angle at nitrogen, we need to analyze the hybridization and molecular geometry of…
Step-by-step solution
1AnswerD·
To determine the maximum bond angle at nitrogen, we need to analyze the hybridization and molecular geometry of nitrogen in each species.
Step 1: Analyze (Nitrite ion)
- Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons. Oxygen has 6 valence electrons. Total valence electrons = .
- Lewis structure: N is central. One N=O bond, one N-O bond, and a lone pair on N.
- Steric number = 2 (bonded atoms) + 1 (lone pair) = 3.
- Hybridization = .
- Geometry: Bent.
- Bond angle: Approximately (due to lone pair repulsion, it's slightly less, around ).
Step 2: Analyze (Nitronium ion)
- Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons. Oxygen has 6 valence electrons. Total valence electrons = .
- Lewis structure: N is central, with two N=O double bonds. No lone pairs on N.
- Steric number = 2 (bonded atoms) + 0 (lone pairs) = 2.
- Hybridization = .
- Geometry: Linear.
- Bond angle: .
Step 3: Analyze (Nitrate ion)
- Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons. Oxygen has 6 valence electrons. Total valence electrons = .
- Lewis structure: N is central. One N=O bond, two N-O single bonds (resonance structures exist). No lone pairs on N.
- Steric number = 3 (bonded atoms) + 0 (lone pairs) = 3.
- Hybridization = .
- Geometry: Trigonal planar.
- Bond angle: .
Step 4: Analyze (Nitrogen dioxide)
- Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons. Oxygen has 6 valence electrons. Total valence electrons = .
- Lewis structure: N is central. One N=O bond, one N-O bond, and one unpaired electron on N.
- Steric number = 2 (bonded atoms) + 1 (unpaired electron acts like a half-lone pair) = 3.
- Hybridization = .
- Geometry: Bent.
- Bond angle: Approximately (the unpaired electron causes less repulsion than a lone pair, leading to a larger angle than ).
Comparing the bond angles:
- :
- :
- :
- :
The maximum bond angle is in .
Correct Answer: (B)