In the cyanide ion (CN^-),the nitrogen has a formal charge of A)-2 B)-1 C)0 D)2 E)More information is needed.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The formal charge on nitrogen in the cyanide ion (CN^-) is 0. This is calculated by considering the valence electrons of nitrogen (5), subtracting the non-bonding electrons (2), and subtracting half of the bonding electrons (3 from the triple bond with carbon), resulting in a formal charge of 0.

In the Cyanide Ion (CN-),the Nitrogen Has a Formal Charge

In the Cyanide Ion (CN^-),the Nitrogen Has a Formal Charge