1st attempt\npart 1 (1 point)\nwhat is the formal charge on the carbon atom in cyanide, cn⁻? the complete…

1st attempt\npart 1 (1 point)\nwhat is the formal charge on the carbon atom in cyanide, cn⁻? the complete lewis structure is drawn, but formal charges and overall charges have been purposely omitted.\n:c≡n:\nchoose one:\na. -2\nb. 0\nc. +2\nd. +1\ne. -1

1st attempt\npart 1 (1 point)\nwhat is the formal charge on the carbon atom in cyanide, cn⁻? the complete lewis structure is drawn, but formal charges and overall charges have been purposely omitted.\n:c≡n:\nchoose one:\na. -2\nb. 0\nc. +2\nd. +1\ne. -1

Answer

Explanation:

Step1: Recall formal - charge formula

The formula for formal charge is $FC = V - N - \frac{B}{2}$, where $V$ is the number of valence electrons of the neutral atom, $N$ is the number of non - bonding electrons, and $B$ is the number of bonding electrons.

Step2: Identify values for carbon in $CN^-$

Carbon has 4 valence electrons ($V = 4$). In the Lewis structure of $CN^-$, carbon has 2 non - bonding electrons ($N = 2$) and 6 bonding electrons ($B = 6$).

Step3: Calculate formal charge

Substitute the values into the formula: $FC=4 - 2-\frac{6}{2}=4 - 2 - 3=-1$.

Answer:

E. -1