Lewis Structure Generator
Nitrite ion · NO2− · Reviewed guide

NO2− Lewis Structure

Nitrite has 18 valence electrons, one lone pair on nitrogen and two equivalent resonance contributors. Its molecular geometry is bent.

Open NO2− in the generatorSee drawing steps
NO₂⁻
[ O=N–O⁻ ]⁻ ↔ [ ⁻O–N=O ]⁻
Nitrogen keeps one lone pair in both contributors
Valence electrons18
Central atomNitrogen
GeometryBent
Bond angleAbout 115°

NO2− structure overview

Nitrogen contributes 5 electrons, two oxygens contribute 12, and the negative charge adds 1, for 18 total. The final structure contains one N=O bond, one N–O⁻ bond and one lone pair on nitrogen.

How to draw nitrite

  1. Count 18 electrons.
    Add one electron for the −1 charge.
  2. Draw O–N–O.
    Nitrogen is the central atom.
  3. Complete oxygen octets.
    Place the remaining pair on nitrogen.
  4. Form one N=O double bond.
    This gives nitrogen an octet.
  5. Draw both resonance contributors.
    Move the double bond and negative charge to the other oxygen without moving atoms.

Formal charges

The single-bonded oxygen has −1, while nitrogen and the double-bonded oxygen are 0. The charges add to the ion's −1 total.

Geometry

Nitrogen has three electron domains: two bonding regions and one lone pair. The electron-domain geometry is trigonal planar, while the molecular geometry is bent.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing NO2− with neutral NO2, which has an odd number of electrons.
  • Forgetting the lone pair on nitrogen.
  • Drawing the ion as linear.
  • Showing one contributor without the resonance partner.

Reviewed July 16, 2026. Educational reference only.