Lewis Structure Generator
Nitrogen molecule · N2 · Reviewed guide

N2 Lewis Structure

N₂ is :N≡N:. The atoms share three electron pairs and each nitrogen keeps one lone pair, giving both atoms octets and zero formal charge.

Open N2 in the generatorSee drawing steps
N₂
:N≡N:
One lone pair on each nitrogen
Valence electrons10
Bond orderTriple
Lone pairs2 total
Formal charges0, 0

How to draw N2

  1. Count 10 electrons.
    Each nitrogen contributes 5.
  2. Draw an N–N skeleton.
    Begin with one shared pair.
  3. Attempt to complete both octets.
    A single or double bond leaves at least one nitrogen short.
  4. Form an N≡N triple bond.
    Three shared pairs give each nitrogen six bonding electrons.
  5. Add one lone pair per nitrogen.
    The two lone pairs use the final four electrons.

Electron check

The triple bond contains 6 electrons and the two lone pairs contain 4, totaling 10.

Formal charge

For each nitrogen: 5 − 2 nonbonding electrons − 3 owned bonding pairs = 0.

Common mistakes

  • Drawing a double bond and leaving incomplete octets.
  • Putting two lone pairs on each nitrogen, which exceeds the electron total.
  • Confusing N2 with the nitride ion N³−.

Reviewed July 16, 2026. Educational reference only.