How would you calculate the formal charge of CO 2?

Question

How would you calculate the formal charge of CO 2?

Jules Bruno · Accepted Answer

The problem is asking to determine the formal charge of CO2 Recall the equation for the formal charge:Formal Charge=Group #-(Bonds of element+Non bonding electrons)[readmore]Step 1: The central atom is the less electronegative element, C is the central atom.Since H cannot be a central atom and O (EN =3.5 ) is more electronegative than C (EN = 2.5)Step 2: The total number of valence electrons present in CO2  is:            Group             Valence ElectronsC         4A                   1 × 4 e– = 4 e–O         6A                   2 × 6 e– = 12 e–   Total: 16 valence e–Step 3: The Lewis structure of CO2 is: Using the equation, find the formal charge for each element:C: 4 – (4) = 0O: 6- (2 + 4) = 0 (both O's have a double bond)The formal charges for each element is 0 for CO2.

Problem: How would you calculate the formal charge of CO 2?

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Problem: How would you calculate the formal charge of CO 2?

FREE Expert Solution

Problem Details

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