JEE Advanced levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 3 of 3pb068
Which is the correct order of C--O bond length in CO, COX2 and COX3X2−?
ACO<COX3X2−<COX2
BCOX2<CO<COX3X2−
CCO<COX2<COX3X2−
DCOX3X2−<COX2<CO
Answer: C
Bond order in CO is 3 (about 113 pm), in COX2 it is 2 (about 116 pm) and in COX3X2− it is 4/3 (about 129 pm). A higher bond order gives a shorter bond, so the order of length is CO<COX2<COX3X2−.