In the Lewis dot structure for $$NO_2^-$$, total number of valence electrons around nitrogen is ______

In $$NO_2^-$$ (nitrite ion), nitrogen is the central atom.

Valence electrons: N has 5, each O has 6, plus 1 for the negative charge. Total = 5 + 6(2) + 1 = 18 valence electrons.

Lewis structure of $$NO_2^-$$:

N is bonded to 2 oxygen atoms with one double bond and one single bond (or resonance structures with 1.5 bond order each). Nitrogen has one lone pair.

Valence electrons around nitrogen:

- 2 bonding pairs (from double bond) + 1 bonding pair (from single bond) = 3 bond pairs = 6 electrons from bonds

- 1 lone pair = 2 electrons

Total = 8 electrons around nitrogen.

The answer is 8.