In the most stable Lewis structure of phosgene (), what are the formal charges on the central , the — Chemical Bonding Chemistry Question
Question
In the most stable Lewis structure of phosgene ($COCl_2$), what are the formal charges on the central $C$, the $O$, and the $Cl$ atoms respectively?
Answer: A
💡 Solution & Explanation
The most stable structure has a double bond between C and O, and single bonds between C and the two Cl atoms. $FC(C) = 4 - 0 - \frac{1}{2}(8) = 0$. $FC(O) = 6 - 4 - \frac{1}{2}(4) = 0$. $FC(Cl) = 7 - 6 - \frac{1}{2}(2) = 0$.
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