JEE Advanced levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 3 of 3cb054
The numbers of electrons delocalised in the pi system of OX3 and of NOX3X− are, respectively,
A2 and 4
B4 and 6
C6 and 8
D4 and 4
Answer: B
In ozone the pi system spreads over three O atoms with 4 electrons (one pi bond plus one lone pair of the terminal O). In nitrate it spreads over four atoms with 6 electrons (the N=O pi bond plus lone pairs on the two O− atoms: 2+2+2=6).