The formal charges on the atoms marked as (1) to (4) in the Lewis representation of HNO3 molecule respectively are [figure]
- 0, 0, -1, +1
- 0, -1, 0, +1
- 0, +1, 0, -1
- +1, 0, 0, -1
Answer
(3) 0, +1, 0, -1
Solution
Formal charge (F.C.) = V - L - 12S
(V = valence electrons, L = non-bonding electrons, S = bonding electrons)
Atom (1), O bonded to H and N (2 bonds, 2 lone pairs):
F.C. = 6 - 4 - 12(4) = 0
Atom (2), N (one double and two single bonds, no lone pair):
F.C. = 5 - 0 - 12(8) = +1
Atom (3), O doubly bonded to N (2 lone pairs):
F.C. = 6 - 4 - 12(4) = 0
Atom (4), O singly bonded to N (3 lone pairs):
F.C. = 6 - 6 - 12(2) = -1
Formal charges on (1) to (4) are 0, +1, 0, -1.
Answer: (3)