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Grade 12Physical Chemistry

resonance decreases the bond length then why c-o bonds in carbonate ion is longer than formate ion when carbonte has 3 resonating structures and 2 for formate

Profile image of divya
8 Years agoGrade 12
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1 Answer

Profile image of Arun
8 Years ago
I think the CO3(2-) should only have 1 double bond, so it`d be the same bond configuration (hybridization if you`re familiar with that) as the HCO2(-). If the CO3(-2) had 2 double bonds, plus a single bond, the C atom would violate the octet rule.