Chapter 9, Problem 12SAQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The correct resonance structure for acetate ion is to be identified.

Concept introduction: Formal charge is calculated by the formula,

$\text{Formal}\text{charge}=\left(\begin{array}{c}\text{Valence}\text{electrons}-\\ \left[\text{Lone}\text{pair}\text{electrons}+\frac{\text{Bonding}\text{electrons}}{2}\right]\end{array}\right)$

A formal charge is the charge assigned to an atom in a molecule. It is assumed that electrons in all bonds are shared equally between atoms, regardless of relative electronegativity.

Resonance is a way of describing delocalized electrons with certain molecules, where a single Lewis structure cannot express the bonding. The different Lewis structures are called resonance structures or canonical structures.

To determine: The correct resonance structure for acetate ion.

Correct answer: The correct option is (d).