Lewis Structure Generator
Nitrous oxide · N2O

N2O Lewis Structure

N₂O uses the N–N–O atom order. Its important Lewis contributors include N≡N⁺–O⁻, while less important contributors redistribute bond orders and formal charges without changing connectivity.

Open N2O in the generatorSee drawing steps
N₂O
:N≡N⁺—O:⁻
Dominant contributor; molecule is linear
Total valence electrons16
Atom connectivityN–N–O
Dominant formal chargescentral N +1, O −1
GeometryLinear, 180°

N2O overview

Two nitrogens contribute ten electrons and oxygen contributes six. The dominant contributor places a triple bond between the nitrogen atoms and a single bond to oxygen.

How to draw N2O

  1. Count 16 valence electrons.
  2. Use the N–N–O skeleton rather than N–O–N.
  3. Complete terminal octets and evaluate candidate bond orders.
  4. Draw N≡N⁺–O⁻ as the major contributor.
  5. Add the terminal nitrogen lone pair and three oxygen lone pairs.
  6. Compare other contributors by formal-charge placement.

Resonance and contributor weight

The contributors are not equally important. Structures that place negative charge on oxygen and minimize unfavorable charge placement generally contribute more strongly to the resonance hybrid.

Common mistakes

  • Using N–O–N connectivity.
  • Writing N≡N–O without formal charges.
  • Calling the molecule symmetric.
  • Treating resonance contributors as different compounds.

Last reviewed: July 16, 2026. Lewis structures are simplified electron-bookkeeping models.