Which is the best description of the bonding in NO₃^-? A)3 N-O σ bonds and no N-O π bonds B)3 N-O σ bonds and 3 N-O π bonds C)no N-O σ bonds and delocalized N-O π molecular orbitals extending over all four atoms D)3 N-O σ bonds and delocalized N-O π molecular orbitals extending over all four atoms

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The compound NO₃^- has three N-O bonds, which are sigma bonds formed from the overlap of the nitrogen and oxygen atomic orbitals. Therefore, choice A is incorrect. Additionally, the N-O bond has a double bond character, which means that each N-O bond has a pi bond formed by the overlap of the unhybridized p orbitals of nitrogen and oxygen. Therefore, choice B is incorrect. However, the pi bonds are delocalized over all four atoms, which means that the electrons are distributed over all the atoms, resulting in the formation of molecular orbitals. Therefore, the correct answer is D - the compound has three N-O sigma bonds and delocalized N-O pi molecular orbitals extending over all four atoms.

Which Is the Best Description of the Bonding in NO3-

Which Is the Best Description of the Bonding in NO₃^-