Question:

The correct formal charges on oxygen atoms numbered \(2,1\) and \(3\), respectively, are:

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In ozone, the central oxygen generally has \(+1\) formal charge and the single bonded terminal oxygen has \(-1\) formal charge.
Updated On: May 4, 2026
  • \(-1,0,+1\)
  • \(0,0,0\)
  • \(0,+1,-1\)
  • \(+1,0,-1\)
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation


Step 1: Understand the structure.

The given structure is of ozone: \[ \ce{O3}. \] In one resonance form of ozone, one terminal oxygen is double bonded to the central oxygen and the other terminal oxygen is single bonded to the central oxygen.

Step 2: Formal charge on double bonded oxygen.

The oxygen atom numbered \(2\) is double bonded. For double bonded terminal oxygen: \[ \text{Formal charge}=0. \] So: \[ O_2=0. \]

Step 3: Formal charge on central oxygen.

The central oxygen atom numbered \(1\) forms one double bond and one single bond. It has one lone pair. In ozone, the central oxygen carries: \[ +1 \] formal charge. So: \[ O_1=+1. \]

Step 4: Formal charge on single bonded terminal oxygen.

The oxygen atom numbered \(3\) is single bonded to the central oxygen and has three lone pairs. Such terminal oxygen carries: \[ -1 \] formal charge. So: \[ O_3=-1. \]

Step 5: Final order.

The question asks charges on atoms \(2,1,3\), respectively. Therefore: \[ O_2=0,\quad O_1=+1,\quad O_3=-1. \] Hence, the correct answer is: \[ 0,+1,-1. \]
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