Question

How would you determine the Lewis structure for `CO`?

Answer 1

There are 10 valence electrons to distribute........

Explanation:

There are 10 valence electrons to distribute........6 from oxygen, and 4 from carbon.

Lewis structures of `""^(+):O-=C:^(-)` OR `:ddotO=C:` are appropriate. I tend to favour the one with formal charge separation inasmuch as carbon monoxide generally binds thru the carbon rather than the oxygen.