Based on calculated formal charges, determine the overall charge (net charge) for the following compound.
A
–3
B
+4
C
+1
D
–1
E
+2
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the compound in the image as borate ion, which consists of one boron (B) atom and three oxygen (O) atoms.
Recall the formula for calculating formal charge: Formal Charge = (Valence Electrons) - (Non-bonding Electrons) - (Bonding Electrons/2).
Calculate the formal charge for the boron atom: Boron has 3 valence electrons, 0 non-bonding electrons, and is involved in 3 bonds (6 bonding electrons).
Calculate the formal charge for each oxygen atom: Oxygen has 6 valence electrons, 6 non-bonding electrons, and is involved in 1 bond (2 bonding electrons).
Sum the formal charges of all atoms in the compound to determine the overall charge (net charge) of the compound.