Topological (ELF and ρ) study of the unusually long N–O bond in (CF3)2NO–NO

Our previous studies revealed three different types of N–O bonding: the ‘normal’ covalent bond, characterized by the bonding V(N,O) basin, the protocovalent bond, characterized by two non-bonding basins, V(N), V(O), and a bond characterized by a non-bonding basin, V(N). The results suggest that the formally single N–O bond, containing no ELF-basins, is possible. Our study confirms its existence in the (CF3)2NO–NO molecule.