Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements correctly describes the Lewis dot structure of the bicarbonate ion (HCO3^-)?
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11. Bonding & Molecular Structure
Lewis Dot Structures: Ions
Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements correctly describes the Lewis dot structure of the formate ion, CHO2-?
A
It contains a central carbon atom triple-bonded to one oxygen atom and single-bonded to a hydrogen atom.
B
It contains a central carbon atom single-bonded to two oxygen atoms, both of which carry a negative charge, and single-bonded to a hydrogen atom.
C
It contains a central carbon atom double-bonded to one oxygen atom, single-bonded to another oxygen atom (which carries a negative charge), and single-bonded to a hydrogen atom.
D
It contains a central carbon atom double-bonded to both oxygen atoms and single-bonded to a hydrogen atom.
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the atoms present in the formate ion (CHO2-) and note that carbon (C) is typically the central atom because it can form four bonds.
Determine the total number of valence electrons: Carbon has 4, each oxygen has 6, hydrogen has 1, and there is an extra electron due to the negative charge, so total valence electrons = 4 + (2 × 6) + 1 + 1 = 18 electrons.
Arrange the atoms with carbon in the center bonded to the hydrogen and two oxygen atoms. Start by forming single bonds between carbon and each attached atom, using 2 electrons per bond.
Distribute the remaining electrons to satisfy the octet rule for oxygen atoms first, then carbon. To minimize formal charges, form a double bond between carbon and one oxygen atom, and a single bond between carbon and the other oxygen atom, which will carry the negative charge.
Confirm that the hydrogen atom is single-bonded to carbon, and check that the formal charges are minimized: the oxygen with the single bond carries the negative charge, the double-bonded oxygen is neutral, and carbon has no formal charge.
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