Lewis Structure (6): Nitrite ion

A simple way to draw the preferred Lewis electron dot structure for the nitrite anion.
I simply draw the valence electrons around each atom and place the extra electron on an unpaired electron. When there's more than one unpaired electron, I put it the most electronegative atom. Then, I form bonds to make each atom as "happy" as possible (ie. complete octet). :)




I prefer this method to the "add up all valence electrons + add/subtract the charges + distribute accordingly" method that is often taught in general chemistry textbooks. This method doesn't require math or memorization, and it helps you understand formal charges! Oh, it also helps you draw a preferred Lewis structure (with the least amount of formal charge separation) on the first try..... Try this method to draw the preferred structure for sulfate anion (SO42-).

Category:

Education

Tags:

• general
• chemistry
• lewis
• dot
• structure
• resonance
• nitrite
• formal
• charges
• tutorial

[TTUchem1010]

Oops, my mind wandered, and I mispoke at the end of the video. (I accidentally called NO2- nitrate...) NO2- is nitrite NO3- is nitrate. Just checking to see if you're listening. :)

[babyjebus2]

you teach much better than my chemistry teacher

[IceCipriani21]

OMG THANK YOU!!!!!!! MY CHEMIST PROFESSOR CAN'T EVEN TEACH US THIS SIMPLE METHOD!!!! she always prefere the more complicated method where you have to guess.

[Sketches8]

you just made ME "happy"

[WhoElse34]

Thank you!

[ravishlystunning]

Awesome :)

[xIKnuckleZIx]

These may be older videos but they are really well explained. Much better than how my professor has explained them. Thanks for these videos.

[gyenxh304]

thank you texas

[XtRedChaos]

GO RAIDERS! (I go to Texas Tech too) :D

[Cyborg1170]

You know that you use Formal charge to figure out what structure to use if you have resonance structures.

[valflyinf]

Thanks! Awesome!

[jennyuzzy]

Nice! thank you