Chemistry

Chemistry

Problem

Two resonance structures can be drawn for the formate ion, HCO2−\text{HCO}_2^{-}. In structure A, the C–O bond to the hydroxyl oxygen (bond X) is a single bond, and in structure B, bond X is a double bond. Quantum calculations indicate that structure A contributes 70 % to the resonance hybrid, whereas structure B contributes 30 %. What is the bond order of bond X? a) 1.51.5 b) 1.01.0 c) 1.31.3 d) 1.71.7

Browse the problem library