According to the VSEPR theory, the molecular geometry of the carbonate ion, CO₃^{2 -}, is A)square planar. B)tetrahedral. C)pyramidal. D)trigonal planar. E)octahedral.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The carbonate ion, CO3^2-, has 3 bonding pairs and 0 lone pairs of electrons. This corresponds to a trigonal planar arrangement in which the 3 bonding pairs are arranged as far apart from each other as possible. Therefore, the correct choice is D, trigonal planar.

According to the VSEPR Theory, the Molecular Geometry of the Carbonate