In ammonium ion, nitrogen has a valence of 4, and zero nonbonding electrons. What is the correct formal charge of nitrogen with 4 covalent bonds?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In ammonium ion (NH4+), nitrogen has formed four covalent bonds with four hydrogen atoms. Each bond represents two electrons shared by both the atoms, so nitrogen has used up eight valence electrons in bonding. Since nitrogen has five valence electrons, it has only one nonbonding electron pair. The formal charge of nitrogen in ammonium ion is calculated as:

Formal charge = valence electrons of neutral atom - non-bonding electrons - 1/2 (bonding electrons)

= 5 - 1 - 4/2

= 0

Therefore, nitrogen in ammonium ion has a formal charge of zero, and the correct option is (D) 1+.

In Ammonium Ion, Nitrogen Has a Valence of 4, and Zero