Question

What is the formal charge of carbon in CO?

|C≡O|​

Answer 1

FC of C = -1

General Formulas and Concepts:

• Lewis Dot Structures
• Resonance Structures
• Formal Charge: FC = # of valence e⁻ - # of lone e⁻ - # of bonds

Step-by-step explanation:

Step 1: Define

Carbon (C)

• 4 valence e⁻
• 2 lone e⁻
• 3 bonds

Oxygen (O)

• 6 valence e⁻
• 2 lone e⁻
• 3 bonds

Step 2: FC of C

1. Substitute: FC = 4e⁻ - 2e⁻ - 3
2. Subtract: FC = -1