Question

In the following electron - dot structure, calculate the formal charge from left to right nitrogen atom;

• A. $-1,-1,+1$
• B. $-1,+1,-1$
• C. $+1,-1,-1$
• D. $+1,-1,+1$

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Formal charge $=$ total number of valence electrons
- total number of non-bonding electrons $-\frac{1}{2}\times$ total number of bonding electrons
As for structure
For Ist and 3rd nitrogen atom
Formal charge $=5-4-\frac{1}{2}\times 4=-1$
For middle nitrogen atom
Formal charge $=5-0-\frac{1}{2}\times 8=+1$