Simple Method for writing Lewis Structures for N2O3

Simple Method for writing Dot Structures of N₂O₃

A simple procedure for writing Lewis structures is given in a previous article entitled “Lewis Structures and the Octet Rule”. Several worked examples relevant to this procedure were given in previous posts please see the Sitemap - Table of Contents (Lewis Electron Dot Structures).

Another example  for writing Lewis structures following the above procedure is given below.

Let us consider the case of the dot structures of dinitrogen trioxide (N₂O₃).

How can we construct the N₂O₃ Lewis structure?

 

Step 1: Connect the atoms with single bonds. The central atoms are the nitrogen atoms.

 

Step 2: Calculate the # of electrons in π bonds (multiple bonds) using  formula (1) in the article entitled “Lewis Structures and the Octet Rule”. 

Where n in this case is 5 since N₂O₃ consists of five atoms.

Where V = (5 + 5 + 6 + 6 + 6 ) = 28  

Therefore, P = 6n + 2 – V = 6 *5 + 2 – 28 = 4  Therefore, there are 4π electrons in N₂O₃ and 2 double bonds or a triple bond must be added to the structure in Step 1.

Step 3 & 4: The Lewis structures of N₂O₃ are as follows:

 

Another resonance structure of N₂O₃ is given below but is less plausible compared to the one given in Figure 1 due to large charge separation and the adjacent positive charges.

 

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Relevant Posts

Lewis Structures|Octet Rule: A Simple Method to write Lewis Structures

Lewis Dot Structures - Simple Procedure for writing Lewis Structures of Nitrous Oxide (N₂O)

Simple method for writing Lewis Structures for N₂O₄

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References

1. G.N. Lewis, J.A.C.S, 38, 762-785, (1916)
2. E. C. McGoran, J. Chem. Educ., 68, 19-23 (1991)
3. A.B.P. Lever, J. Chem. Educ., 49, 819-821, (1972)

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Key Terms

resonance structures of nitrous oxide N2O3, Lewis electron structures of dinitrogen trioxide, chemical formula of N2O3, simple procedure for drawing Lewis structures of dinitrogen trioxide,