Explain the important aspects of resonance with reference to the CO _{3}{ }^{2-} ion.
Explain the important aspects of resonance with reference to the CO _{3}{ }^{2-} ion.

Answer:

Although the properties of the carbonate ion cannot be described by a single structure, they can be described by two or more resonance structures. The carbonate ion’s true structure is a resonance hybrid of the contributing structures. All three bond lengths are equivalent in the resonance hybrid, and the bonds are midway between single and double bonds.