The inter-cation angle, θ NaCNa , shows an even more dramatic dependence on the ion-pairing state and the interface. The contact paired complex, Fig. .B, shows a bistability between a linear state where the two cations are on opposite sides of the anion and a bent configu-ration where they are nearly orthogonal. This bent configuration is stabilized by the presence of a water molecule in CO 3 2 -'s first solvation shell with the oxygen between the two cations. This bistability is present in all chemical environments with a relative stability that depends on electrode charge. When the anion is close to the anode, the positively charged electrode repels the cation, pushing the complex towards the bent configuration. In contrast, forming the bent configuration near the cathode requires the recruitment of a water with its oxygen brought into contact with the negatively charged electrode. The Coulomb repulsion of the stabilizing oxygen therefore decreases the probability of the bent configuration.