Dot Structure|How do I draw a Lewis Structure for a molecule– Lewis Dot Structure of Cyanamide

Lewis Structure of Cyanamide CN₂H₂

How do I draw the Lewis electron dot structure of cyanamide  CN₂H₂?  A simple and general procedure for writing Lewis structures is given in a previous post 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”).

Let us consider the case of  cyanamide  CN₂H₂. What is the Lewis structure of CN₂H₂?

Cyanamide is used for the synthesis of pharmaceutical and agrochemical actives, biocides, dyestuffs and fine chemicals. As calcium cyanamide is used as a fertilizer providing plants with nitrogen in an ideal way, as well as supplying the soil with valuable lime.                         

 

Step 1: Connect the atoms with single bonds.

 

 

Step 2: Calculate the # of electrons in π bonds (multiple bonds) using formula 1:

Where n in this case is 3 since CN₂H₂ has 3 non-hydrogen atoms.

Where V = 5*2 + 4 + 1*2 = 16

Therefore, P = 6n + 2 – V = 6 *3 + 2 – 16 = 4   Therefore, there are either 2 double bonds or 1 triple  bond.

Step 3 & 4: The Lewis dot structures of CN₂H₂  are as follows:

Lewis electron dot Structure #1 is the major contributor to the hybrid because it is more stable than Structure #2 (Structure #1 obeys the Octet Rule - octet of electrons around each atom - and has no charge separation)

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

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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

Lewis structures, electron dot structures, Lewis structures of the cyanamide CN2H2, electron dot structures of the cyanamide CN2H2,, method for drawing Lewis structures,, chemistry, Chemistry Net

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