Chemical Forums

Chemistry Forums for Students => Undergraduate General Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: escapeartistq on May 27, 2005, 06:01:19 PM

Title: Lewis structure for N2O4
Post by: escapeartistq on May 27, 2005, 06:01:19 PM
Why is the Lewis structure for N2O4 the one described here
http://chemfinder.cambridgesoft.com/result.asp?molid=10544-72-6
instead of this one (the non-bonding electrons are not shown in this picture I found)
http://shorl.com/busumudufiru

because the latter has no formal charges whereas the former has formal charges.  According to Chang's book you should select a structure with no formal charges as the correct one.

Thanks.