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Question

What is the formal charge on each atom in CO2?


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Solution

Formal charge

  • The formal charge is the charge assigned to an atom in a molecule based on the assumption that electrons in all chemical bonds are evenly shared across atoms, independent of relative electronegativity.
  • It is the difference between the number of valence electrons an atom has in its neutral free state and the number assigned to it in a Lewis structure.
  • The formula for formal charge:

FC=V-N-B2

  • Here, FC is the formal charge, V is number of valence electrons, N is number of nonbonding valence electrons and B is total number of electrons shared in bonds.

Formal charge on Carbon atom in CO2

  • In carbon dioxide CO2, carbon double bonded to both oxygen atoms.
  • The valence electron of carbon is four.
  • The number of nonbonding valence electron is zero.
  • The total number of electrons shared in bonds is eight.
  • The formal charge on carbon atom in CO2:

FC=V-N-B2=4-0-82=4-0-4=0

  • The formal charge on carbon atom in CO2 is zero:

Formal charge on oxygen atom in CO2

  • The valence electron of oxygen is six.
  • The number of nonbonding valence electron is four.
  • The total number of electrons shared in bonds is four.
  • The formal charge on oxygen atom in CO2:

FC=V-N-B2=6-4-42=2-2=0

  • The formal charge on oxygen atom in CO2 is zero:

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