Which species is planar? — Chemical Bonding Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Step 1: Determine the hybridization and geometries of each species. Step 2: SO3^2- and ClO3^- are pyramidal (sp3 with 1 lp). BF4^- is tetrahedral (sp3 with 0 lp). Step 3: The carbonate ion, CO3^2-, is sp2 hybridized with three sigma bonds and zero lone pairs, giving it a trigonal planar geometry. Thus, it is planar, matching option (a).