Question

Consider the formate ion, HCO₂⁻, which is the anion formed when formic acid loses an H ion. The H and the two O atoms are bonded to the central C atom.

Draw the most appropriate Lewis structure(s) for this ion.

Answer 1

The most appropriate Lewis structure for the formate ion, HCO₂⁻, is a central carbon atom bonded to a hydrogen atom and two oxygen atoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most appropriate Lewis structure for the formate ion, HCO₂⁻, is:

H

|

O=C=O

|

O⁻

The hydrogen (H) atom and the two oxygen (O) atoms are bonded to the central carbon (C) atom. The central carbon atom forms a double bond with one oxygen atom and a single bond with the other oxygen atom. The oxygen atom with the double bond carries a negative charge to maintain charge balance.