The toxic gas hydrogen cyanide has the formula HCN. How many nonbonding electrons must be shown in the Lewis structure of hydrogen cyanide?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In the Lewis structure of HCN, there are a total of 10 valence electrons (1 from hydrogen, 5 from carbon, and 4 from nitrogen). These electrons are used to form bonds between carbon and nitrogen, and between carbon and hydrogen, leaving no nonbonding electrons. Therefore, the answer is A) 2 nonbonding electrons.

The Toxic Gas Hydrogen Cyanide Has the Formula HCN