Based on hybridization, how would you predict the shape of the CO3 (2-)ion?

1 Answer
Apr 4, 2016

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

Explanation:

There are 4+(3×6)+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 CO bonds are equivalent.