Among the compounds shown below which one revealed a linear structure ?

Options

A. `NO_2`
B. `HOCl`
C. `O_3`
D. `N_2O`

Answer

To determine which compound among the given options reveals a linear structure, we can analyze the hybridization of each compound based on their steric numbers. The hybridization can be identified using the formula for steric number:

**Steric Number = Number of Lone Pairs + Number of Atoms Bonded to the Central Atom**

1. **Analyze NO2 (Nitrogen Dioxide):**
- Central Atom: Nitrogen (N)
- Bonds: 1 double bond with Oxygen and 1 single bond with Oxygen
- Lone Pairs: 1 lone pair on Nitrogen
- Steric Number = 1 (lone pair) + 2 (bonds) = 3
- Hybridization: sp²
- Structure: Trigonal planar (not linear)

2. **Analyze HO (Water):**
- Central Atom: Oxygen (O)
- Bonds: 2 single bonds with Hydrogen
- Lone Pairs: 2 lone pairs on Oxygen
- Steric Number = 2 (lone pairs) + 2 (bonds) = 4
- Hybridization: sp³
- Structure: Tetrahedral (not linear)

3. **Analyze O3 (Ozone):**
- Central Atom: One of the Oxygen atoms
- Bonds: 1 double bond with another Oxygen and 1 single bond with the third Oxygen
- Lone Pairs: 1 lone pair on the central Oxygen
- Steric Number = 1 (lone pair) + 2 (bonds) = 3
- Hybridization: sp²
- Structure: Trigonal planar (not linear)

4. **Analyze N2O (Nitrous Oxide):**
- Central Atom: Nitrogen (N)
- Bonds: 1 double bond with Oxygen and a double bond with another Nitrogen
- Lone Pairs: 0 lone pairs on the central Nitrogen
- Steric Number = 0 (lone pairs) + 2 (bonds) = 2
- Hybridization: sp
- Structure: Linear

**Conclusion:**
The compound that reveals a linear structure is **N2O** (option 4).

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