3.45 quick question

[Faisal Alshamaa - 1L]

Draw the Lewis structures that contribute to the resonance hybrid of nitryl chloride, ClNO2 (N is the central atom).

Hello, I get this problem but I was just wondering why N is the central atom instead of Cl, when N has a higher electronegativity than Cl (FONCl).

Thanks!

[Lily Emerson 1I]

nitrogen has a lower electronegativity since it's closer to the left (or further away from fluorine), so it goes in the center

[Tina Wen 1G]

I see the point. But N has one fewer full shell than Cl which contributes to its electronegativity. I think it’s more understandable to say that N has fewer valence electrons and thus more bonding opportunities than Cl without breaking the octet rule. Also NO2 is like pretty common combination.

[Maria Zamarripa 1L]

N has less valence electrons than Cl and is more willing to give up its electrons than Cl.