Isoelectronic species are those that possess the same number of total electrons. Let's calculate the total number of electrons for the given species:
- NO3−: 7 (from N)+3×8 (from O)+1 (from negative charge)=32 electrons.
- CO32−: 6 (from C)+3×8 (from O)+2 (from negative charge)=32 electrons.
- ClO3−: 17 (from Cl)+3×8 (from O)+1 (from negative charge)=42 electrons.
- SO3: 16 (from S)+3×8 (from O)=40 electrons.
Thus, NO3− and CO32− are isoelectronic.
Next, we determine their structures using VSEPR theory:
- In NO3−, the central nitrogen atom has 5 valence electrons + 1 (from charge) = 6 electrons available for bonding. It forms 3 σ bonds with oxygen atoms (double bonds do not affect geometry) and has 0 lone pairs. Steric number = 3 (sp2 hybridised), resulting in a trigonal planar geometry.
- In CO32−, the central carbon atom has 4 valence electrons + 2 (from charge) = 6 electrons. It also forms 3 σ bonds and has 0 lone pairs. Steric number = 3 (sp2 hybridised), resulting in a trigonal planar geometry.
Since both have 32 electrons and a trigonal planar structure, NO3− and CO32− are isoelectronic and isostructural.