Question:

Which of the following statements regarding the structure of CO\(_2\) is correct?

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In CO\(_2\), each oxygen atom is doubly bonded to carbon and has two lone pairs, making it linear with no lone pairs on the central atom.
Updated On: Apr 18, 2026
  • CO\(_2\) contains 1 C=O and 1 C=O and one lone pair in each oxygen
  • CO\(_2\) contains 2 C=O, and 2 lone pairs in each oxygen
  • CO\(_2\) contains 2 C=O, and 2 lone pairs in each oxygen
  • CO\(_2\) contains 1 C=O, and 1 C=O and two lone pairs in each oxygen atom
  • None of these
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The Correct Option is

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Structure of CO\(_2\).
CO\(_2\) is a linear molecule with a central carbon atom double bonded to two oxygen atoms. Each oxygen atom has two lone pairs of electrons. Therefore, the structure of CO\(_2\) can be written as: \[ \text{O} = \text{C} = \text{O} \]

Step 2: Analyzing the options.
- (A) The statement about one lone pair on each oxygen is incorrect as each oxygen has two lone pairs.
- (B) This option is incorrect because there is no second C=O bond with two lone pairs on each oxygen.
- (C) This option is similar to (B), as it implies two lone pairs on each oxygen.
- (D) This is incorrect because the structure has no lone pair on the carbon, and each oxygen has two lone pairs.

Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (E), as none of the options correctly describe the structure of CO\(_2\).
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