Based on hybridization, how would you predict the shape of the CO_3 (2-)ion?

1 Answer
anor277
Apr 4, 2016

Trigonal planar, with 2 formal negative charges on the oxygen atoms.

Explanation:

There are 4+(3xx6)+2=24" electrons" to distribute around 4 centres. A reasonable resonance isomer is (O=)C(-O)_2^-. Since there are three bonding pairs of electrons around the central carbon, trigonal planar geometry is indicated. Clearly, by resonance, all the C-O bonds are equivalent.

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