CramX Logo

Q
QuestionChemistry

What is the hybridization of carbon in CO^2−3?
12 months agoReport content

Answer

Full Solution Locked

Sign in to view the complete step-by-step solution and unlock all study resources.

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

Step 2:
: Identify the Lewis Structure

- In the carbonate ion $$CO_{3}^{2-}$$, carbon is bonded to three oxygen atoms
- One oxygen has a double bond, two have single bonds with negative charge distribution

Step 3:
: Determine Electron Configuration

- In $$CO_{3}^{2-}$$, carbon forms 3 bonds
- Carbon has 4 valence electrons - Total electron count: 4 (carbon) + 3(12 from oxygens) + 2 (additional electrons from negative charge) - This suggests an expanded octet

Step 4:
: Analyze Bonding Geometry

- Angles between bonds are approximately $$120^{\circ}
- The carbon is surrounded by three oxygen atoms - The geometry is trigonal planar

Step 5:
: Determine Hybridization

- One $$p$$ orbital remains unhybridized for $$\pi$$ bonding
- Three sp^{2} hybrid orbitals are formed

Final Answer

The hybridization of carbon in CO_{3}^{2 -} is sp^{2}.