Question

Draw the Lewis structure of azidomethane (CH3N3) [Show two important resonance structures.]

Accepted Answer

Step 1: Begin by identifying the total number of valence electrons in azidomethane (CH₃N₃). Carbon (C) has 4 valence electrons, hydrogen (H) has 1 valence electron each (3 hydrogens contribute 3 electrons), and nitrogen (N) has 5 valence electrons each (3 nitrogens contribute 15 electrons). Add these together to get the total valence electrons. Step 2: Arrange the atoms in a reasonable structure. Carbon (C) is typically the central atom in organic molecules, bonded to three hydrogens (H) and one nitrogen (N). The remaining two nitrogen atoms will be connected to the first nitrogen atom in a linear arrangement, as azides are known to have a linear structure. Step 3: Distribute the valence electrons to satisfy the octet rule for each atom. Start by placing single bonds between the atoms (C-H, C-N, N-N, N-N). Then, add lone pairs to the nitrogen atoms to complete their octets. Ensure that the total number of electrons used matches the total valence electrons calculated in Step 1. Step 4: Identify resonance structures by redistributing electrons. Azidomethane has resonance due to the delocalization of electrons in the N₃ group. Move lone pairs and double bonds between the nitrogen atoms to create two important resonance structures. Ensure that each resonance structure adheres to the octet rule and maintains the correct number of valence electrons. Step 5: Verify the formal charges on each atom in both resonance structures. Adjust the placement of electrons to minimize formal charges, ensuring the most stable resonance structures are drawn. Highlight the delocalization of electrons in the N₃ group as a key feature of the resonance.

Draw the Lewis structure of azidomethane (CH₃N₃) [Show two important resonance structures.]

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Concetti chiave

Lewis Structures

Resonance Structures

Hybridization