Question

In the lewis structure of the iodate ion, io3–, that satisfies the octet rule, the formal charge on the central iodine atom is

Answer 1

The formal charge is = -3 on the central iodine atom

Answer 2

Answer :  The formal charge on the central iodine atom is, Zero (0).

Explanation :

Lewis-dot structure : It shows the bonding between the atoms of a molecule and it also shows the unpaired electrons present in the molecule.

In the Lewis-dot structure the valance electrons are shown by 'dot'.

The given molecule is, $IO_3^-$

As we know that iodine has '7' valence electrons and oxygen has '6' valence electrons.

Therefore, the total number of valence electrons in $IO_3^-$ = 7 + 3(6) + 1 = 26

According to Lewis-dot structure, there are 10 number of bonding electrons and 16 number of non-bonding electrons.

Now we have to determine the formal charge on the central iodine atom.

Formula for formal charge :

$\text{Formal charge}=\text{Valence electrons}-\text{Non-bonding electrons}-\frac{\text{Bonding electrons}}{2}$

$\text{Formal charge on I}=7-2-\frac{10}{2}=0$

Hence, the Lewis-dot structure of $IO_3^-$ is shown below.