Question

What is the formal charge of $C$ in $CO$ ?

• A. -1
• B. 2
• C. \N
• D. 1

Answer 1

The correct option is A -1

CO looks like:


FC of C = V – N – $\frac{1}{2}$ (B), where V is valence electrons, N is non-bonding electrons and B is bonding electrons

= 4 – 2 – $\frac{1}{2}\times$ (6)

FC of C = -1

FC of O = 6 – 2 – $\frac{1}{2}\times$(6)

FC of O = +1