Nitrobenzene overview
The stored Lewis connectivity is C₆H₅—N⁺(=O)—O⁻. The nitro group requires N⁺/O⁻ formal charges in each contributor, with the N=O bond alternating between oxygens.
How to draw C₆H₅NO₂
- Count 46 valence electrons. Include charge adjustments before drawing.
- Use the reviewed connectivity C₆H₅—N⁺(=O)—O⁻. Do not infer a different isomer from the formula alone.
- Place the required single, double or multiple bonds. Keep a running electron total.
- Complete terminal valence shells and add lone pairs or formal charges. The nitro group requires N⁺/O⁻ formal charges in each contributor, with the N=O bond alternating between oxygens.
- Verify the total electron count and geometry. The reviewed geometry is Planar or nearly planar conjugated nitro group.
Why this example matters
The nitro group requires N⁺/O⁻ formal charges in each contributor, with the N=O bond alternating between oxygens.
Scope and model limits
The aromatic ring and nitro group both involve delocalization. One Lewis contributor cannot represent the complete electron distribution.
Common mistakes
- Using 42 instead of 46 valence electrons
- Drawing neutral nitrogen with five bonds
- Omitting the second nitro resonance contributor
Related reviewed guides
Last reviewed: 2026-07-16. Educational reference only; verify graded work with course materials.