Nitrous oxide, N₂O, is sometimes called "laughing gas". What is the formal charge on the central nitrogen atom in the most favorable Lewis structure for nitrous oxide based on minimizing formal charge overall (The atom connectivity is N-N-O.) A) -2 B) -1 C) 0 D) +1 E) +2

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In the most favorable Lewis structure for N2O, the central nitrogen atom has a formal charge of +1. This is achieved by having a triple bond between the two nitrogen atoms and a single bond between the central nitrogen and the oxygen atom, with the oxygen carrying a -1 formal charge to balance the overall charge to zero.

Nitrous Oxide, N2O, Is Sometimes Called "Laughing Gas

Nitrous Oxide, N₂O, Is Sometimes Called "Laughing Gas