What is the formal charge of CO?

1 Answer
anor277
Dec 6, 2015

The formal charge of the carbon monoxide molecule is ZERO.

Explanation:

Some Lewis structures of carbon monoxide depict formal charges. #:C-=O:# as written bears a formal negative charge on the carbon, and a formal positive charge on the oxygen. Note that this charge distribution is a formalism, and the molecule is certainly a neutral entity.

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