Question

The Lewis structure of $C{O}_3^{2-}$ ion is:

• A.
• B.
• C.
• D.

Answer 1

The correct option is A

According to Lewis, the octet of central atom (Carbon) and corner atoms (Oxygen atoms) must be complete.

Atoms with the maximum valency and the least number in any molecule will be considered as the central atom i.e., carbon and generally the more electronegative element i.e., oxygen as the side atom.

a)
The central atom carbon and corner atoms oxygen all has a stable octet.

b)
The central atom carbon is showing a covalency of 5 i.e., 10 electrons in octet which is not possible as maximum covalency of carbon is 4.

c)
The central atom octet is not complete. So, this structure is not valid.

d)
The central atom and one of the corner atom is not completing their octet. This is an invalid lewis structure.