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QuestionChemistry

Draw the Lewis structure for the polyatomic formyl anion. Be sure to include all resonance structures that satisfy the octet rule.
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Answer

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Step 1:
I'll solve this problem step by step, following the specified LaTeX formatting guidelines:

Step 2:
: Identify the formyl anion

- The formyl anion has the chemical formula $$HCO^{-}
- It contains one hydrogen (H), one carbon (C), and one oxygen (O) atom - The total number of valence electrons will be crucial in drawing the Lewis structure

Step 3:
: Calculate total valence electrons

- Total valence electrons: $$1 + 4 + 6 + 1 = 12$$ electrons
- Hydrogen: 1 valence electron - Carbon: 4 valence electrons - Oxygen: 6 valence electrons - Negative charge adds 1 electron

Step 4:
: Arrange atoms and connect with single bonds

- Initial skeleton structure: $$H-C-O^{-}
- Place carbon in the center - Attach hydrogen and oxygen to the carbon - Initial single bond electron count: 3 single bonds = 6 electrons

Step 5:
: Distribute remaining electrons

- Remaining electrons: $$12 - 6 = 6$$ electrons
- Place these electrons as lone pairs on oxygen to complete its octet

Step 6:
: Draw first resonance structure

\begin{array}{c} \ddot{H}-\ddot{C}=\dot{O}^{-} \ \text{(First resonance structure)} \end{array}

Step 7:
: Draw second resonance structure

\begin{array}{c} \dot{H}-\ddot{C}^{+}=\ddot{O}^{-} \ \text{(Second resonance structure)} \end{array}

Final Answer

Key observations: - Both structures have 12 total valence electrons - Each structure maintains an octet for oxygen - The negative charge is shared between carbon and oxygen - The structures are resonance forms, not separate molecules