Study Guides/Chemistry/Bond Order of CO
Study Guide · Chemistry

Bond Order of CO (Carbon Monoxide)

The bond order of CO (Carbon Monoxide) is 3. This means CO has a triple bond between carbon and oxygen, making it extremely stable and similar in structure to N₂.

Question (Click to Flip)

What is the bond order of CO?

Answer

The bond order of CO (Carbon Monoxide) is 3, indicating a triple bond between carbon and oxygen.

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Key Facts

Bond Order of CO: 3 (triple bond).

Total Electrons in CO: 14.

Isoelectronic With: N₂ (also 14 electrons, bond order 3).

CO is Toxic: Binds haemoglobin 250× stronger than O₂.

Bond Length: ~112 pm.

Calculation Using MOT

CO has a total of 14 electrons (C=6, O=8).

Molecular Orbital filling (like N₂ since both are isoelectronic with 14 electrons): σ1s², σ1s², σ2s², σ2s², π2p⁴, σ2p²

Bonding electrons (Nb) = 10 Anti-bonding electrons (Na) = 4

Bond Order = (Nb - Na) / 2 = (10 - 4) / 2 = 6/2 = 3

CO is Isoelectronic with N₂

Isoelectronic molecules have the same number of electrons and same electronic structure.

CO and N₂ both have 14 electrons → same bond order of 3 → similar properties:

  • Both have triple bonds.
  • Both are very stable.
  • Both have similar bond lengths (~110–112 pm).

Why CO is Toxic

Despite its strong triple bond, CO is dangerous because it binds to haemoglobin in blood 250 times more strongly than oxygen, forming carboxyhaemoglobin — preventing oxygen transport.

Questions and Answers

What is the bond order of CO?+

The bond order of CO (Carbon Monoxide) is 3, indicating a triple bond between carbon and oxygen.

Why is CO isoelectronic with N₂?+

CO has 6+8=14 electrons and N₂ has 7+7=14 electrons — same number of electrons and same electronic configuration, giving both a bond order of 3.

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