Question

12 mark for review auto saved at 11:07:32 diagram 1 diagram 2 which of the lewis diagrams shown above is the more likely structure of co₂ and why? a diagram 1, because all the atoms have a formal charge of 0. b diagram 1, because double bonds are stronger than triple bonds. c diagram 2, because all the atoms have a formal charge of 0. d diagram 2, because triple bonds are stronger than double bonds.

Explanation:

In Lewis structures, the most stable structure is the one with formal charges of 0 on all atoms. For $CO_2$, in Diagram 1, carbon has 4 valence - electrons, and it forms 4 bonds (2 double - bonds with oxygen), so its formal charge is $4-(0 + 4)=0$. Each oxygen has 6 valence - electrons, forms 2 bonds, and has 4 non - bonding electrons, so the formal charge of each oxygen is $6-(4 + 2)=0$. In Diagram 2, the formal charges are not all 0. Also, triple bonds are not favored in the structure of $CO_2$ as they would lead to non - optimal electron distribution and higher energy. Double bonds are more appropriate for the stable structure of $CO_2$.

Answer:

A. Diagram 1, because all the atoms have a formal charge of 0.