Chemical bonding (valency): What is the maximum number of covalent bonds nitrogen can form? Consider valence-shell capacity for nitrogen (period 2) and typical compounds like ammonium. Choose the correct option.

Given data

• Nitrogen: Z = 7, valence shell 2s²2p³.

Concept/Approach
In neutral covalent compounds (e.g., NH₃) nitrogen forms three covalent bonds; however, its maximum covalency is four, as in NH₄⁺, where N forms three normal covalent bonds and one dative (coordinate) covalent bond, totaling four covalent bonds.

Note
As a second-period element (no d-orbitals), nitrogen's maximum covalency is limited to 4.

Final Answer
4