MCAT General Chemistry Question 31: Answer and Explanation
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Question: 31
1. What is the character of the bond in carbon monoxide?
- A. Ionic
- B. Polar covalent
- C. Nonpolar covalent
- D. Coordinate covalent
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Carbon monoxide, CO, has a triple bond between carbon and oxygen, with the carbon and oxygen each retaining one lone pair. In polar covalent bonds, the difference in electronegativity between the bonded atoms is great enough to cause electrons to move disproportionately toward the more electronegative atom but not great enough to transfer electrons completely. This is the case for CO. Oxygen is significantly more electronegative than carbon, so electrons will be disproportionately carried on the oxygen, leaving the carbon atom with a slight positive charge.