4.12 HPO can be represented by structures 1 and 2 shown below. Can these two structures be taken as the canonical forms of the resonance hybrid representing HPO ? If not, give reasons for the same.
According to experimental findings, all carbon to oxygen bonds in are equivalent. Hence, it is inadequate to represent by a single Lewis structure having two single bonds and one double bond. Therefore, carbonate ion is described as a resonance hybrid of the following structures:
