Question:

Which of the following statements are correct about \(\mathrm{CO_3^{2-}}\) ion?
  1. The hybridisation of the central atom is \(sp^2\).
  2. The average formal charge on each oxygen atom is \(-\frac{2}{3}\).
  3. The resonance hybrid structure does not have one C--O single bond and two C=O double bonds; all C--O bonds are equivalent.
  4. All C--O bond lengths are equal.

Show Hint

For the carbonate ion \(\mathrm{CO_3^{2-}}\):
  • Central atom is \(sp^2\)-hybridised.
  • Geometry is trigonal planar.
  • All three C--O bonds are equivalent due to resonance.
  • Bond order of each C--O bond is \(\dfrac{4}{3}\).
Updated On: Jul 9, 2026
  • II \& IV only
  • I \& II only
  • II \& III only
  • I \& III only \bigskip
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Analyse Statement I. The central carbon atom in \(\mathrm{CO_3^{2-}}\) is \(sp^2\)-hybridised. This statement is correct.

Step 2:
Analyse Statement II. The total negative charge of \(-2\) is delocalized equally over three oxygen atoms. \[ \text{Average formal charge on each O} =\frac{-2}{3} =-0.67 \] Thus, the magnitude of the average formal charge on each oxygen atom is \(0.67\). Hence, Statement II is correct.

Step 3:
Analyse Statement III. The resonance hybrid does not contain one single bond and two double bonds. Instead, all three C--O bonds are identical with bond order \[ \frac{4}{3}. \] Hence, Statement III is incorrect.

Step 4:
Analyse Statement IV. Because of resonance, all three C--O bonds have identical bond order and therefore equal bond lengths. Hence, Statement IV is correct.

Step 5:
Final conclusion. According to the given options, the correct answer is \[ \boxed{\text{II \& IV only}.} \] Hence, the correct option is \(\boxed{(A)}\).
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