VSEPR calculation for ethanoate (acetate), MeCO₂^-

Ethanoate (acetate), MeCO₂^-

Lewis structure:
Central atom	carbon
Valence electrons on central atom:	4
1 Me group contributes 1 electron:	1
2 terminal oxygens each contribute 1 electron in the two σ bonds:	2
Subtract two for the two electrons contributed by C to the two π bonds	-2
Add one for the negative charge located on C	1
Total:	6
Divide by 2 to give electron pairs	3
3 electron pairs:	trigonal geometry for the three shape-determining electron pairs

The geometry of ethanoate (acetate), MeCO2-. You can use your mouse to manipulate the molecule in the right hand "Jmol" image.