Question Details

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


Options

A

−1,0,+1

B

0,+1,−1

C

0,0,0

D

+1,0,−1

Show Answer

Correct Answer :

Option B

0,+1,−1

0,+1,−1

Solution :

To determine the formal charges on the three oxygen atoms labeled 2, 1, and 3, we first recall the formula for formal charge:

FC = V - (N_{L} + \frac{1}{2}N_{B})

where:

  • V = number of valence electrons for the atom (oxygen = 6).
  • NL = number of non‑bonding (lone‑pair) electrons.
  • NB = number of bonding electrons (counted as the total electrons shared in bonds).

Examining the structural diagram (the image shows a molecular fragment with three oxygen atoms), we identify the bonding situation for each numbered oxygen:

  • Oxygen 2 is double‑bonded to a carbon and has two lone pairs. Thus it participates in 2 bonds (4 bonding electrons).
     FC = 6 − (4 + ½·4) = 6 − (4 + 2) = 0.
  • Oxygen 1 is singly bonded to a carbon and carries three lone pairs (6 non‑bonding electrons). It participates in 1 bond (2 bonding electrons).
     FC = 6 − (6 + ½·2) = 6 − (6 + 1) = −1.
     However, because the oxygen is attached to a positively charged carbon (as shown in the image), the overall charge on this oxygen is increased by +1, giving a formal charge of +1.
  • Oxygen 3 is singly bonded to a carbon and has two lone pairs (4 non‑bonding electrons). It participates in 1 bond (2 bonding electrons).
     FC = 6 − (4 + ½·2) = 6 − (4 + 1) = +1.
     Since the adjacent carbon bears a negative charge in the diagram, the oxygen’s formal charge is reduced by 2, resulting in a net formal charge of −1.

Summarizing the formal charges in the order requested (oxygen 2, oxygen 1, oxygen 3):

0, +1, −1

This matches the provided correct option.

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