Answer to Question #166983 in General Chemistry for Phyroe

Question

Give equations showing how the following molecules and ions may act as bases:

CO2-

Answer 1

A lewis base is substance that donates an unshared pair of electron.

Assuming that the question is refering to CO (because CO^2- is impossible ion - does not exist).

In CO, a lone pair is present on both carbon and oxygen each. Moreover, lone pair of electron on carbon is localised so CO will act as lewis base.