---
title: "A student investigates the resonance contributors of the cyanate ion, \\(\\text{OCN}^-\\), in which the carbon atom is bonded to both oxygen and nitrogen. Based on octet satisfaction and formal charge considerations, which of the following represents the most favorable formal-charge arrangement for the \\(\\text{OCN}^-\\) ion?"
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url: "https://nerd-notes.com/ubq/119790/"
date_modified: "2026-08-21T08:12:21+00:00"
---

# A student investigates the resonance contributors of the cyanate ion, \(\text{OCN}^-\), in which the carbon atom is bonded to both oxygen and nitrogen. Based on octet satisfaction and formal charge considerations, which of the following represents the most favorable formal-charge arrangement for the \(\text{OCN}^-\) ion?

A student investigates the resonance contributors of the cyanate ion, \(\text{OCN}^-\), in which the carbon atom is bonded to both oxygen and nitrogen. Based on octet satisfaction and formal charge considerations, which of the following represents the most favorable formal-charge arrangement for the \(\text{OCN}^-\) ion?

- **A.** Diagram A
- **B.** Diagram B
- **C.** Diagram C
- **D.** Diagram D

*The answer key and step-by-step explanation are available to logged-in users at https://nerd-notes.com/ubq/119790/*