Dinitrogen oxide (nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas”) is sometimes used as an anesthetic. Here are some data about the N₂O molecule: N—N bond length = 113 pm; N—O bond length = 119 pm. Use these data and other information from the chapter to comment on the plausibility of each of the following Lewis structures shown. Are they all valid? Which ones do you think contribute most to the resonance hybrid?

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:N=N—0: (a) :N-N=0: (c) :N=N=0: (b) :N=0=N: (d)