SCN- Molecular Geometry
The molecular geometry of any molecule or compound can be determined by looking at the arrangement of atoms in the structure. We can also use the AXN notation method to find out the geometry of the molecule.
A is the central atom, X is the number of atoms bonded to the central atom, and N is the number of lone pairs of electrons.
For SCN- ion, Carbon is the central atom, and it is forming bonds with two atoms – Nitrogen and Sulphur. There are no lone pairs in the molecule; hence it has AX2 notation, resulting in the linear molecular geometry.
Also, if you look at the arrangement of atoms in the molecule, all the atoms are arranged in a straight line, which confirms that it has a linear molecular geometry.
Valence electrons and bonding:
Do the summation of all valence electrons available on each S, C, and N atom of SCN- lewis structure to know the total valence electrons on it. Make single bonds within all three S, C, and N atoms shown with lines.
Lone pair electrons and Octet rule:
Extra valence unshared electrons are put on bonded sulfur and nitrogen atoms as lone pair electrons and counted them. Later apply the octet rule on each S, C, and N atom to note its octet that they have complete or incomplete octets.
FAQ
Which is the most favored Lewis structure for SCN -?
What is the molecular geometry of po33?