Question

What is the lewis structure of the covalent compound that contains one nitrogen atom

Answer 1

Full Question:

What is the Lewis structure of the covalent compound that contains one nitrogen atom, one hydrogen atom, and one carbon atom?

Explanation:

This covalent compound is the hydrogen cyanide, HCN.

The following steps are used to obtain it;

Step 1. Draw a skeleton structure of the compound based on the elements

Put the least electronegative atom C in the middle with H and Cl on either side.

H-C-N

Step 2. Count the valence (outermost) electrons you can use

H + C + N = 1 + 4 + 5 = 10

Step 3. Add these electrons to give every atom an octet

You have to put a triple bond between C and N.

Note: Each bond is made up of two electrons.

The lewis structure is given in the image below;