What is the bond order of CO group?
- A1
- B2.5
- C3.5
- D3
- ENone of the above / More than one of the above
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: (d) 3
Explanation
Bond order = ½ (bonding electrons – antibonding electrons).
CO has 14 electrons: 10 bonding and 4 antibonding, giving ½(10 – 4) = 3.
The triple bond includes one dative (coordinate) bond from oxygen to carbon.