Question

Which of the following Lewis dot structure of $C{O}_2$ is correct?

• A. $:\stackrel{..}{\underset{..}{O}}-C\equiv O:$
• B. $\stackrel{..}{\underset{..}{O}}=C=\stackrel{..}{\underset{..}{O}}$
• C. $\stackrel{..}{\underset{..}{O}}-C\equiv O:$
• D. None of these

Answer 1

The correct option is B $\stackrel{..}{\underset{..}{O}}=C=\stackrel{..}{\underset{..}{O}}$

Carbon and oxygen has 4 and 6 electrons respectively in their outermost shell. So, to complete their octet, each oxygen makes 2 bonds and carbon makes 4 bonds. Carbon, being lesser electronegative, is the central atom as shown in the figure.

Thus, option B represents the correct structure of $C{O}_2.$