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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