5. Gain and Loss of Electrons   Previous PageNext Page
       Nitrgoen and Nitric Acid


It is difficult to draw a Lewis-dot model or simple bond structure for nitric acid. Three such structures, neither of which is correct by itself, are shown below.




Four possible structures for the nitrate ion appear, and others can be drawn. As with the carbonate ion, all three N-O bonds in actually are the same length.

The negative charge that is left behind on the oxygen by the departing proton is delocalized over the entire ion (see structure on right).

 


Delocalization makes the nitrate ion more stable, favors the dissociation of , and therefore makes nitric acid stronger than it would be otherwise.
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