Q
QuestionChemistry

Draw the Lewis structure for the polyatomic hydroperoxyl HO^2−anion. Be sure to include all resonance structures that satisfy the octet rule.
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Answer

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Step 1
: Identify the number of valence electrons in the hydroperoxyl anion (HO$_2^-$).

The hydroperoxyl anion consists of one oxygen atom, one hydrogen atom, and one negative charge. Since oxygen is in group 6, it has 6 valence electrons. Hydrogen is in group 1 and has 1 valence electron. To account for the extra negative charge, we add one more electron. In total, there are 6 (from O) + 1 (from H) + 1 (extra electron) = 8 valence electrons.

Step 2
: Place the atoms in a reasonable initial structure.

Draw a central oxygen atom with a single bond to the hydrogen atom and a single bond to the second oxygen atom. This results in: ``` H-O-O: ```

Final Answer

The Lewis structure for the hydroperoxyl anion (HO$_2^-$) is: ``` H-O=O: :O-O: ``` These two resonance structures satisfy the octet rule and represent the hydroperoxyl anion.