Question

Draw the Lewis structures for the resonance forms of methyl azide (CH3N3).

Draw all possible resonance structures by copying the skeleton shown. Edit bonds and charges to complete each resonance structure.

***The program does not allow for the addition of electrons. How can I draw the structures with only bonds and charges?****

2.) Determine the electron geometry about each interior atom for all resonance structures.

Check all that apply.******

Check all that apply.*******

a. C tetrahedral; 1st N tetrahedral; 2nd N linear

b. C tetrahedral; 1st N linear; 2nd N bent

c. C tetrahedral; 1st N bent; 2nd N linear

d. C tetrahedral; 1st N linear; 2nd N linear

e. C trigonal planar; 1st N tetrahedral; 2nd N linear

f. C tetrahedral; 1st N trigonal planar; 2nd N linear

Answer 1

methyl azide (CH₃N₃)

Each carbon contributes four valence electrons : 1 x 4 = 4
Each hydrogen contributes one valence electron : 3 x 1 = 3
Each nitrogen contributes five valence electrons : 3 x 5 = 15

Total valence electrons = 22

H₃C−N−N≡N C and all N's have octets (22 e^- total)
0 -1 +1 0 formal charges

H₃C−N=N=N
0 0 +1 -1 formal charges

Octet and in both form an electo-negative atom has a positive charge (and a negative charge).

Now,

C is tetrahedral (sp3) and 2nd N linear (sp).

1st N is (sp2) , so bent suits more.

Answer is c.

C tetrahedral; 1st N bent; 2nd N linear