What is the Lewis Dot Structure of ClO_3^(-)ClO3?

1 Answer
Jul 5, 2016

Chlorate is trigonal pyramidal.

Explanation:

There are 3xx6+7+1=26" electrons to distibute over 4 centres."3×6+7+1=26 electrons to distibute over 4 centres.

O=Cl^(+)(-O^-)_2O=Cl+(O)2.

There is a formal lone pair of electrons on ClCl. Counting up the electrons around chlorine, there are 6, rather than the 7 required for neutrality, so it bears a formal positive charge. The doubly bound oxygen is neutral. The 2 singly bound oxygens bear formal negative charges. Clearly, the oxygen atoms are equivalent by resonance.

What is the charge on this representation. Is is consistent?