Resonance and Formal Charge

AP Chemistry· difficulty 3/5

The carbonate ion CO₃²⁻ has three equivalent resonance structures. All three C-O bonds are

A
$Double bonds$
B
$Single bonds$
C
$Triple bonds$
D
$Equivalent — average bond order ~ 4/3 (between single and double)$
check_circle

Explanation

Resonance delocalizes the double-bond character across all three C-O bonds; experimental bond lengths are equal and intermediate.

Want 10 more like this — adaptive to your weak spots?

Related questions