Explain the structure of `CO_(2)` molecule.

Explanation

in the single Lewis structure `overset(* *)(":"O)=C=overset(* *)(O":")` for the molecule, carbon atoms is linked to oxygen atoms on both sides by double bonds and all the three atoms involved have complete octets. The standard C=O bond length is 121 pm. However, it has been found to be 115 pm and it is less than the bond lengh which is expected. This mean that C to O bonds only on the basis of reasonance. `CO_(2)` is a hybrid of the following contributing structures
`overset(* *)(":"O)=C=overset(-)overset(* *)(O":")harroverset(* *)underset(* *)(":"O)-C-=overset(+)overset(* *)O-=C-overset(-)overset(* *)underset(* *)(O":")`