Question

Explain the structure of $C{O}_2$ molecule.

Answer 1

According to the experimental data $C-O$ bond length in $C{O}_2$ is $115pm.$
The length of normal $C=O\&C\equiv O$ are $121pm\&110pm$ respectively.
In $C{O}_2,C-O$ bond is $115pm$ which lies between the bond length for
$C=O\&C\equiv O.$

Hence, a single Lewis structure cannot depict this position $\&$ it becomes necessary to write more than one Lewis structure and to consider that the structure of $C{O}_2$ is best described as a hybrid of the canonical or resonance forms $I,II$ and $III.$


Reasonating structure of $C{O}_2$ molecule