Answer to Question #124987 in General Chemistry for Parmida

Question

Dinitrogen monoxide has three reasonable resonance structures. Determine all three of
these resonance structures and circle the best structure based on formal charge analysis.

Answer 1

Dinitrogen monoxide $(N_2O)$ has three major resonance structures, with one being a major contributor while the other a minor contributor. Dinitrogen monoxide molecule has a total of $18$ valence electrons, $6$ from nitrogen atom and $6$ from each oxygen atom. The structure is as highlighted below;

The structure on the right( circled) has the best formal charge and is a major contributor. The structure has a negative charge. Since oxygen is more electronegative than nitrogen, the negative charge will be established better by the oxygen atom.