Q. 444.8( 4 Votes )

Explain why CO₃^2- ion cannot be represented by a single Lewis structure. How can it be best represented?

Answer :

Carbonate ion is present in the form of a resonating hybrid structure. These structures are equivalent in nature. Resonance all 3 C-O bonds get a double character in one of the resonating structures.

Thus, all the bonds are equivalent and have equal length hence carbonate ion cannot be represented by a single Lewis structure.

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PREVIOUSArrange the following bonds in order of increasing ionic character giving reasonN—H, F—H, C—H and O—H NEXTPredict the hybridisation of each carbon in the molecule of organic compound given below. Also indicate the total number of sigma and pi bonds in this molecule.

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Explain why CO32- ion cannot be represented by a single Lewis structure. How can it be best represented?

Explain why CO₃^2- ion cannot be represented by a single Lewis structure. How can it be best represented?