[SophBot]

Why is the positive charge on the oxygen instead of the nitrogen? I drew it like this (attached).


But, the answer keys says it will be on the other oxygen on the left hand side?

Thanks in advance!

[Babcock_Hall]

It is a Forum Rule (see red link) that you must provide your thoughts before we can help you.  Can you think of other properties, not just what the formal charge is, that atoms should have in a good Lewis structure?

[SophBot]

My understanding of Lewis structures is that the number of electrons has to be correct and no breaking the octet rule, which hasn't happened here.

I was thinking it could be that it is better (more stable) for a negative charge to be on a more electronegative atom like oxygen, rather than having a positive charge on nitrogen, but wouldn't that still make the structure I drew a valid resonance structure and there would just be three total contributing structures?

[mjc123]

Haven't you broken the octet rule? How many electrons on the N?

[SophBot]

oh no, how did I miss that?! Thank you both so much -.-