Chemistry: Atoms First (2nd Edition)

Published by Cengage Learning
ISBN 10: 1305079248
ISBN 13: 978-1-30507-924-3

Chapter 3 - Active Learning Questions - Page 150a: 28

Answer

$O=C=O$

Work Step by Step

Possible resonance structures: $O=C=O$ $^-O-C\equiv O^+$ $^+O\equiv C-O^-$ The best resonance structure for CO2 from a formal charge standpoint is the one in which both oxygen atoms have a formal charge of 0. This is achieved by having a double bond between the carbon and each oxygen atom, and it is the most stable resonance: $O=C=O$
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