What is the formal charge on the central nitrogen atom in dinitrogen sulfide (N₂S)?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To find the formal charge, we need to subtract the number of lone pair electrons and half of the bonding electrons from the number of valence electrons for the nitrogen atom. In dinitrogen sulfide (NS2), there are two lone pairs of electrons and two single bonds between nitrogen and sulfur. The nitrogen atom has 5 valence electrons. Therefore, the formal charge on the central nitrogen atom can be calculated as follows:

Formal charge = Valence electrons - Lone pair electrons - 1/2(bonding electrons)
Formal charge = 5 - 2 - 2(1/2) = 0

Therefore, the formal charge on the central nitrogen atom is 0. The correct answer is B, which represents 0 as the formal charge.

What Is the Formal Charge on the Central Nitrogen Atom