A valence bond study of the origin of the planarity of the C2N2O2 units of cis and trans C-nitroso dimers

Richard D. Harcourt, Frances L. Skrezenek, Brian G. Gowenlock

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7 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The results of some ab initio valence bond studies for cis, trans and perpendicular N-N dimers of HNO are reported, and used to provide a valence bond rationalization for the origin of the observed planarity, or near-planarity, of the C2N2O2 units of cis and trans C-nitroso dimers. It is shown that as a consequence of some delocalization of the oxygen p electrons of the Lewis structures A and B: {A figure is presented} the planarity is associated with Pauling three-electron bond (N¨N° ? N°N¨) covalent-ionic resonance in the planar isomers, for example C?D + mirror-image structures for the cis isomer: {A figure is presented} as well as with the presence of an N-N electron-pair p bond in planar A and B. The relative importance of these two types of contributions depends on the extent of oxygen p electron delocalization. © 1993.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)87-94
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Molecular Structure: THEOCHEM
Volume284
Issue number1-2
Publication statusPublished - Aug 1993

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