Lewis Structure

CO2 Lewis Structure

Carbon dioxide

CO2 has carbon in the center with two double bonds to oxygen. Each oxygen keeps two lone pairs.

Use the diagram and steps below to check the carbon dioxide Lewis structure, CO2 Lewis dot structure, valence electrons, formal charges, and molecular shape.

CO2

Carbon dioxide

16 e-
O C O
Valence electrons16
Central atomC
GeometryLinear
Bond angle180 deg
PolarityNonpolar
Electron geometryLinear

VSEPR Geometry

Molecular geometry Linear
Electron geometry Linear
Bond angle 180 deg
Polarity Nonpolar
Valence electrons 16
Bonding / lone pairs 2 / 0
Central atom C
Electron regions 2

How to Draw CO2: Step-by-Step

1

Parse the molecular formula

CO2 -> C, O, O

The molecule contains one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms.

2

Count total valence electrons

4 + 6 + 6 = 16

Carbon contributes 4 electrons. Each oxygen contributes 6.

3

Choose the central atom

Central atom: C

Carbon is less electronegative than oxygen and can form multiple bonds.

4

Draw the skeleton

O-C-O

Connect both oxygen atoms to carbon with single bonds first.

5

Form multiple bonds

O=C=O

Two double bonds give carbon an octet and keep formal charges at zero.

6

Final answer

The CO2 Lewis structure is O=C=O. Each oxygen has two lone pairs, and all formal charges are 0.

Formal Charges

AtomFormal charge
C0
O0 each

Common Mistakes

  • Drawing single bonds only leaves carbon short of an octet.
  • CO2 is linear, not bent, because the central carbon has two electron regions and no lone pairs.

FAQ

What is the Lewis structure for CO2?

The CO2 Lewis structure is O=C=O. Each oxygen has two lone pairs, and all formal charges are 0.

What is the Lewis dot structure for CO2?

The Lewis dot structure for CO2 is the electron-dot drawing shown above. The CO2 Lewis structure is O=C=O. Each oxygen has two lone pairs, and all formal charges are 0.

How many valence electrons does CO2 have?

CO2 has 16 total valence electrons in this Lewis structure.

What is the molecular geometry of CO2?

CO2 has linear molecular geometry and linear electron geometry.

Is CO2 polar or nonpolar?

CO2 is nonpolar in the Lewis structure shown here. Its molecular geometry is Linear.

References

Method notes are aligned with standard Lewis structure steps: count valence electrons, draw a skeleton, distribute electrons, form multiple bonds when needed, and check formal charges and resonance.

OpenStax Chemistry 2e: Lewis Symbols and Structures and Formal Charges and Resonance.