What is the formal charge on carbon in the bicarbonate ion (HOCO₂)?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The formal charge on carbon in the bicarbonate ion is 0. This is calculated by considering the valence electrons of carbon (4), the number of bonds it forms (4), and the non-bonding electrons (0). The formula for formal charge is: Formal charge = Valence electrons - (Non-bonding electrons + 1/2 Bonding electrons). For carbon in bicarbonate, it is 4 - (0 + 4/2) = 0.

What Is the Formal Charge on Carbon in the Bicarbonate