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JEE Main levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 2 of 3cb013

In the symmetric Lewis structure of the azide ion $N X_{3} X^{-}$ with two N=N double bonds, the formal charges on the three nitrogen atoms (left, centre, right) are, respectively,

A $0, + 1, - 2$
B $- 1, 0, 0$
C $- 1, + 1, - 1$
D $0, 0, - 1$

Answer: C

Terminal N: two bonds and two lone pairs,

5 - 4 - 2 = - 1

. Central N: four bonds, no lone pair,

5 - 0 - 4 = + 1

. The charges are

- 1, + 1, - 1

, summing to

- 1

.

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