In carbon dioxide (CO2), the structure is represented as O=C=O.
Here's the reasoning:
- Carbon has 4 valence electrons and needs 4 more to complete its octet.
- Oxygen has 6 valence electrons and needs 2 more to complete its octet.
- To satisfy the octet for both carbon and oxygen, carbon forms double bonds with each oxygen atom.
Therefore, the correct structure is O=C=O.