Identify the correct answer.
Correct Answer :
Three canonical forms can be drawn for
Three canonical forms can be drawn for ion
Solution :
The correct option is: Three canonical forms can be drawn for ion.
Let's evaluate each option step-by-step to understand why this statement is correct and the others are incorrect:
1. Resonance structures of Ozone ():
Ozone has only two major canonical (resonance) structures that contribute significantly to its resonance hybrid, not three. Therefore, the first statement is incorrect.
2. Dipole moment of Boron Trifluoride ():
has a symmetric trigonal planar geometry. The individual polar B-F bond dipoles point outwards at angles of 120° relative to each other, canceling each other out completely. Consequently, the net dipole moment of is zero. Therefore, the second statement is incorrect.
3. Dipole moments of vs. :
In ammonia (), the nitrogen atom is more electronegative than hydrogen, so the N-H bond dipoles point towards nitrogen. The lone pair on nitrogen also points in a similar upward direction. The bond dipoles reinforce the lone pair dipole, resulting in a high net dipole moment. In nitrogen trifluoride (), fluorine is more electronegative than nitrogen, so the N-F bond dipoles point away from nitrogen, opposing the lone pair dipole. This opposing action significantly reduces the net dipole moment of compared to . Hence, the third statement is incorrect.
4. Canonical structures of the Carbonate ion ():
The carbonate ion has a central carbon atom bonded to three oxygen atoms. The structure consists of one double bond (C=O) and two single bonds (C-O-) containing negative formal charges. Due to conjugation, the double bond can be shared between the carbon and any of the three oxygen atoms:
- Form 1: The double bond is localized between carbon and oxygen A, with single bonds to oxygens B and C.
- Form 2: The double bond is localized between carbon and oxygen B, with single bonds to oxygens A and C.
- Form 3: The double bond is localized between carbon and oxygen C, with single bonds to oxygens A and B.
These represent exactly three equivalent canonical structures that describe the resonance hybrid of the carbonate ion. Thus, this statement is correct.
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