lewis structure of CO

[skim1988]

Hey chad.

I was wondering why the lewis structure of carbon monoxide is :C triple bonded to O:
instead of :C=O::

In :C triple bonded to O:, C has a -1 formal charge and O has a +1 formal charge which should be unfavorable compared to :C=O:: in which no formal charges exist right?

[chad]

Hey chad.

I was wondering why the lewis structure of carbon monoxide is :C triple bonded to O:
instead of :C=O::

Look at your carbon...it doesn't have a filled octet. Satisfy the octet rule first and then worry about formal charges. The atoms in the third row and lower can exceed the octet rule to obtain better formal charges but don't go below the octet rule (except for H, Be. B, and Al).

[vel_teen]

Hi Chad,

A question about Lewis structures: One of the practice tests asks to draw the structure for NOF.
.. .. ..
I drew this: :F -N -O:
.. ..

But all the answers have either F or O as the central atom :S

[chad]

I agree with you on this one that the nitrogen atom should be the central atom and the structure should look like the attached image.

[doglover]

Hey Chad,

what is the lewis structure of CO?

[samoyan]

Hey Chad,

what is the lewis structure of CO?

CO is a carbon monoxide gas.

[chad]

Thanks Samoyan!