Question

In $P{O}_4^{3-}$, the formal charge on each oxygen atom and $P-O$ bond order are, respectively:

• A. $-0.75,0.6$
• B. $-0.5,1.0$
• C. $-0.75,1.25$
• D. $-3.0,1.5$

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

$-0.75,1.25$

Resonating structures of $P{O}_4^{3-}$

(Image)

Total formal charge on each oxygen$=\frac{(-1)+(-1)+(-1)+0}{4}$

$=\frac{-3}{4}=-0.75$

P-O bond order$=\frac{2+1+1+1}{4}=\frac{5}{4}$

$=1.25$