In the COCl₂ molecule, carbon is the central atom. Based on the best Lewis structure for COCl₂, what is the formal charge on carbon? A)0 B)+1 C)−1 D)+2 E)−2

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The formal charge on carbon in COClS is calculated using the formula: Formal charge = Valence electrons - (Non-bonding electrons + 1/2 * Bonding electrons). Carbon has 4 valence electrons, forms 4 bonds in this molecule (with oxygen, chlorine, and two with sulfur, considering it's a double bond for simplicity), and has no lone pairs. Thus, the formal charge on carbon is 4 - (0 + 1/2*8) = 4 - 4 = 0.

In the COCl2 Molecule, Carbon Is the Central Atom

In the COCl₂ Molecule, Carbon Is the Central Atom