Question

Why is the cynate ion (NCO^-1) more stable than the isocyanate (CNO^-1) ion?

Answer 1

resonance effects.

Answer 2

Thanks, Yes, I was aware of that. But a more through explanation?

Answer 3

Or is that just it... ?

Answer 4

Well, without getting into kinetics and other more complex details, yes. obviously you would need to show all the resonance sturcutres to explain this.

Answer 5

You could explain using either valence bond theory OR more useful, molecular orbital theory. Think about the types of bonds.

Answer 6

Okay, that's fine. Thanks for the help!