The molecular geometry of the nitrite ion,NO₂^- _, is best described as A)pyramidal. B)trigonal pyramidal. C)bent. D)tetrahedral. E)trigonal planar.

Question

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The nitrite ion has a central nitrogen atom (N) bonded to two oxygen atoms (O) with an overall charge of -1. The electron geometry of the nitrite ion is trigonal planar, but due to the lone pairs of electrons on the nitrogen atom, the molecule undergoes a distorted tetrahedral geometry resulting in a bent shape. Therefore, the best choice is C, bent.

The Molecular Geometry of the Nitrite Ion,NO2- , Is Best

The Molecular Geometry of the Nitrite Ion,NO₂^- _, Is Best