Question

The concept of chemical bonds and valence provide a means of determining which molecules might form and, of these posibilities, which are likely to be unstable, and describe the concept of chemical bonds and valance. Why should we be concerned about with CO?

Answer 1

Carbon has 4 valence electrons and oxygen has 6 valence electrons. To attain stability, cabin has to gain 4 electrons or lose 4 electrons, and oxygen has to gain 2 electrons. In CO molecule, let us say carbon gives oxygen 2 electrons. Oxygen would then be stable but carbon with 2 valence electrons will not be stable. If oxygen gives 4 valence electrons to carbon, carbon would be stable while oxygen would not be stable as it has 2 more valence electrons. This makes the overall configuration of CO unstable and there are 2 electrons present in the molecule which increase its reactivity. Hence, CO easily reacts with other compounds.