Based upon a formal charge analysis, what is the favored Lewis structure for isocyanate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In isocyanate, the formal charge on each atom should be considered to determine the favored Lewis structure. The Lewis structures for isocyanate are:

I: N=C=O
II: O=C=N

In Lewis structure I, the nitrogen has a formal charge of +1 and the oxygen has a formal charge of -1. In Lewis structure II, the nitrogen has a formal charge of -1 and the oxygen has a formal charge of +1. Since nitrogen is more electronegative than oxygen, a negative formal charge on nitrogen is more favorable than a positive formal charge on nitrogen. Therefore, Lewis structure II is the favored structure for isocyanate.

Based Upon a Formal Charge Analysis, What Is the Favored