Three resonance structures for the cyanate ion, OCN are shown. 0-C-N :0-CN: Stru

Question

Three resonance structures for the cyanate ion, OCN are shown. 0-C-N :0-CN: Structure 2 Select all of the true statements: O Structure 2 is a better resonance form than structure 3 becaus All of the structures are equivalent since they all obey the octet rule e the negative formal charge is on the most electronegative element. Structure 1 is not a valid Lewis structure because carbon doesn't obey the octet rule. D structure 1 is not very likely because of the large formal charges. Structure 3 is a better resonance form than structure 2 because the negative formal charge is on the most elect

Explanation / Answer

Statement 1 is not true, structure 2 has a negative formal charge on the nitrogen but the most electronegative element is oxygen.

Statement 2 is not true, although all the structures are possible they're not equivalent, the most part of the time the electrons will be on the most electronegative elements, giving those structures a heavier contribution.

Statement 3 is not true, carbon has eight electrons around, it obeys the octet rule.

Statement 4 is true, the oxygen would have a positive formal charge but the electronegativity of the carbon wouldn't allow this to happen, this structure should contribute almost nothing.

Statement 5 is true, the most electronegative element (oxygen) can easily bear a negative formal charge.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse T
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.