Question

The placement of the double bond goes between which two atoms in this formaldehyde molecule? Note: Hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen have one, four, and six valence electrons respectively.

H         

        C        O


H

Answer 1

Placement of double bond is between carbon and oxygen

Answer 2

The double bond is formed between the carbon and the oxygen atoms. The carbon atom needing four more electrons to complete its valence shell combines with one of the oxygen atom and completing two of its total four free spaces. The remaining two hands binds with hydrogen on one side and oxygen on the other and forms this:

O

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H-C-O-H. (HCOOH)