Apentix/AP Chemistry/Unit 2: Molecular and Ionic Compound Structure and Properties/Question

AP Chemistrymediummcq1 pt

Carbon monoxide's best Lewis structure shows :C≡O: with one lone pair on each atom. What is the formal charge on carbon?

A.+1 (one unit of positive charge)

B.0 (formally neutral)

C.−1 (one unit of negative charge)

D.−3 (three units of negative charge)

Explanation

Core Concept

Carbon owns 4 valence electrons. In the triple-bonded structure it keeps 2 as its lone pair and claims half of the 6 bonding electrons, i.e., 3: 4 − 2 − 3 = −1. Oxygen mirrors the arithmetic to +1, and the charges cancel for the neutral molecule. This awkward charge split is unavoidable in octet-preserving drawings of CO.

Correct Answer

C−1 (one unit of negative charge)

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