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Quick Chemistry Help Please

Hey everyone, I have a quick question. Can someone give me the explanation to this question? I don't quite understand it and need to study it for a quiz coming up. Thanks so much.

It says:

Describe the bonding in the azide ion (NNN-) (The middle N is underlined) in terms of a sigma-bonded framework and a delocalized pi-bonded system.

Thanks again.

April 19, 2013

2 Comments • Newest first

Fiercerain

The question is asking you to figure out which electrons tend to appear in whatever valence region. Remember that electrons within the sigma-bond region tend to hold a stronger relationship than electrons associated in the delocalized pi-system.

If you draw out how the electrons are paired with respect to sigma and pi systems it might make more sense to you.

Edit: Keep in mind that just because a pair of electrons are in a Pi system, does not automatically assume it's a delocalized system.

Reply April 20, 2013 - edited
Wordolio

gurrrl, the only chemistry here is between you and me! <3

Reply April 20, 2013 - edited