AAMC11: structure question of NO

[pfaction]

So...I understand N is 5 and O is 6, for total of 11, but is it allowed to exist as a radical portrayed by the answer choice? I was like...O is more electronegative, yeah, but how is a radical possible?

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[MedPR]

So...I understand N is 5 and O is 6, for total of 11, but is it allowed to exist as a radical portrayed by the answer choice? I was like...O is more electronegative, yeah, but how is a radical possible?

What other choice is there besides a radical? Oxygen only forms two bonds and nitrogen has an odd valence.

 

[pfaction]

Okay. Damn, I got it wrong for that reason. Blah. Check your PM's, sent you A Q.

 

[misseskwee]

Ok, I get the number of electrons part, but how does N NOT violate the octet rule when it clearly does? Ugh, I'm a chem tutor and I don't remember encountering a radical lewis structure like this one too.

 

[pfaction]

Ok, I get the number of electrons part, but how does N NOT violate the octet rule when it clearly does? Ugh, I'm a chem tutor and I don't remember encountering a radical lewis structure like this one too.

BINGO! I chose the same answer you did too.

 

[misseskwee]

Plus the first thing i did was i ruled out A and C based on the octet rule!

 

[DrRichand1]

A,B,and C all have 10 valence electrons, therfore they can not be correct, no matter how pretty they look.