Lewis Structure Generator
Nitrogen dioxide · NO2

NO2 Lewis Structure

NO₂ has 17 valence electrons and is a radical. A representative contributor contains one N=O bond, one N–O bond, an unpaired electron on nitrogen, N⁺ and O⁻ formal charges, with a second equivalent bond placement.

Open NO2 in the generatorSee drawing steps
NO₂
O=N•—O⁻ ↔ ⁻O—N•=O
Two equivalent radical resonance contributors
Total valence electrons17
Unpaired electrons1
Resonance contributors2 equivalent
GeometryBent, about 134°

NO2 overview

Nitrogen contributes five electrons and two oxygens contribute twelve. The odd total prevents a closed-shell octet structure, so one electron remains unpaired.

How to draw NO2

  1. Count 17 valence electrons.
  2. Use the O–N–O skeleton.
  3. Complete oxygen octets and place the remaining unpaired electron on nitrogen.
  4. Convert one oxygen lone pair into an N=O bond.
  5. Show N⁺ and single-bonded O⁻ formal charges.
  6. Draw the second contributor by moving the double bond to the other oxygen.

Radical and resonance

The unpaired electron remains part of each contributor. Resonance moves electron placement without changing the O–N–O atom connectivity; the molecule is not switching between two separate species.

Common mistakes

  • Using 18 electrons as if the species were NO₂⁻.
  • Drawing a nitrogen lone pair instead of one unpaired electron.
  • Omitting formal charges.
  • Calling the molecule linear.

Last reviewed: July 16, 2026. Lewis structures simplify radical bonding and resonance.