Ignoring resonance, the formal charge on the nitrogen atom in the nitrate ion is
A) +2.
B) +1.
C) 0.
D) -1.
E) -2.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The formal charge on the nitrogen atom in the nitrate ion (NO3-) can be calculated using the formula: Formal charge = Valence electrons - (Non-bonding electrons + 1/2 Bonding electrons). Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons, is bonded to three oxygen atoms (with a total of 4 bonding electrons shared with nitrogen, considering one double bond and two single bonds when ignoring resonance), and has no lone pairs in this configuration. Thus, the formal charge = 5 - (0 + 1/2*4) = 5 - 2 = +1.

Ignoring Resonance, the Formal Charge on the Nitrogen Atom in the Nitrate