What is the formal charge of the nitrogen atom in hydrogen cyanide (HCN)?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The formal charge of an atom in a molecule can be calculated using the formula: Formal charge = Valence electrons - (Non-bonding electrons + 1/2 Bonding electrons). For nitrogen in HCN, it has 5 valence electrons, no non-bonding electrons, and is involved in 3 bonding electrons (triple bond with carbon). Thus, its formal charge is 5 - (0 + 1/2*6) = 5 - 3 = 2. However, since nitrogen is sharing its electrons with carbon, the calculation simplifies to just considering its valence electrons minus its bonds and lone pairs, leading to a formal charge of 0.

What Is the Formal Charge of the Nitrogen Atom in Hydrogen