Identifying the central atom

[Kelly Cai 4D]

In the molecule N20, why is nitrogen the central atom? Isn't the central atom the element with the least ionization energy? Between oxygen and nitrogen, oxygen has a lower ionization energy.

[Yuri Lin 4H]

I think the rule of thumb is that the central atom is the least electronegative atom, not the one with the lowest ionization energy, though I might be wrong. Nitrogen has a lower electronegativity than oxygen, so it would be the central atom.

[DHavo_1E]

Hi,

For Lewis structures, I agree with the response above. The atom that is most electropositive (least electronegative) is in the center. Oxygen is further to the right than nitrogen, meaning it is more electronegative because more protons attracts more electrons, making nitrogen less electronegative.

[Areli C 1L]

I think the rule of thumb is that the central atom is the least electronegative atom, not the one with the lowest ionization energy, though I might be wrong. Nitrogen has a lower electronegativity than oxygen, so it would be the central atom.

Thank you! I too was puzzled.