Using Lewis structures and formal charge,which of the following ions is most stable,? OCN⁻ ONC⁻ NOC⁻
A) OCN⁻
B) ONC⁻
C) NOC⁻
D) None of these ions are stable according to Lewis theory.
E) All of these compounds are equally stable according to Lewis theory.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In Lewis structures, the most stable ion is the one that has the lowest formal charge. 
OCN⁻ has the most stable Lewis structure because the formal charges on each atom is the lowest (0, -1, +1) compared to the other ions. ONC⁻ has formal charges of (+1, -1, 0) and NOC⁻ has formal charges of (-1, +1, 0), which makes them less stable. Therefore, OCN⁻ is the most stable ion according to Lewis theory.

Using Lewis Structures and Formal Charge,which of the Following Ions