Chemical BondinghardMCQ SINGLE

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. $FC(C) = 4 - 0 - \frac{1}{2}(8) = 0$. $FC(O) = 6 - 4 - \frac{1}{2}(4) = 0$. $FC(Cl) = 7 - 6 - \frac{1}{2}(2) = 0$.

💬
Still have doubts about this question?
Send it to our AI chemistry tutor on WhatsApp — gets answered in minutes
Ask on WhatsApp →

Practice 22,000+ questions like this

AI-adaptive practice, video lectures, and full NEET Chemistry content — all in one place.

JEE Advanced · JEE Mains · NEET · IChO · AP Chemistry