What is the formal charge on the singly bonded oxygens in the Lewis structure for the carbonate ion
A) -2
B) -1
C) 0
D) +1
E) +2

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Each oxygen in the carbonate ion has six valence electrons and is connected to two other atoms (one carbon and one other oxygen). Therefore, the formal charge on each singly-bonded oxygen is -1. The formal charge on the central carbon atom is 0, and the overall charge of the ion is -2.

What Is the Formal Charge on the Singly Bonded Oxygens