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JEE Main levelNumerical answerDifficulty 2 of 3g1034

Count all the contributing resonance structures of the carbonate ion that obey the standard rules (same sigma framework, octet rule obeyed), counting equivalent structures separately. Give the number of such structures.

Numerical answer type, tolerance 0.5.

Answer: 3

The double bond to carbon can be placed on any one of the three oxygen atoms, and the other two oxygens carry a negative charge each. Counting structures: 3 positions, so 3 structures, and each is equivalent to the others.
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