Write the Lewis dot structure of the nitrite ion `(NO_(2)^(Θ))` .

Explanation

Step : 1 The skeletal structure of `NO _(2) ^(-)` is written as :
Step : 2 Count the total number of valence electrons of the nitrogen atom, the oxygen atoms and the additional one negative change (equal to one electron). `N(2s ^(2) 2p^(3)) , O(2s ^(2) 2p^(4))`
`implies 5 + (2xx 6) + 1 =18` electrons
Step : 3 & 4 Draw a single bond ( one shared electron pair) between the nitrogen and each of the oxzygen atoms completing the octets on oxygen atoms.
This, however, does not complete the octet on nitrogen if the remaining two electrons constitute lone pair on it.

Hence we have to resort to multiple bonding between notrogen and one of the oxygen atoms (in this case a double bond). This leads to the following Lewis dot structures.