In these practice problems, we will work on determining the Lewis structures of molecules and ions.
In short, remember these steps for determining the Lewis structure:
1. Write the correct skeletal structure for the molecule.
* Hydrogen atoms are always terminal (only one bond)
* Put more electronegative elements in terminal positions
2. Sum the valence electrons from all the atoms.
3. Use a pair of electrons to form a bond between each pair of bound atoms.
4. Add the remaining electrons to satisfy the octet for a more electronegative atom first.
5. If any atoms lack an octet, make a double or triple bond to give them an octet.
Practice
Determine the Lewis structures of the following molecules:
| (a) BF3 | (b) CH2O | (c) HCN | (d) BeCl2 | (e) CH2Cl2 |
| (f) SOCl2 | (g) SO2 | (h) PCl5 | (i) XeO4 | (j) NCl3 |
| (k) SiCl4 | (l) SF2 | (m) H2S | (n) SO3 | (o) COCl2 |
| (p) PCl3 | (q) OF2 | (r) BrF5 | (s) N2O | (t) SF6 |
| (u) POCl3 | (x) XeF2 | (y) XeF4 | (z) C2H2 |
Determine the Lewis structure of each ion: (a) NH4+, (b) H3O+, (c) CN– (d) SCN–, (e) CO32-, (f) ClO3–, (g) SO42- (h) PO43- (i) SO32– (j) NO2– (k) BF4– (l) NO3–.
| (a) NH4+ | (b) H3O+ | (c) CN– | (d) SCN– | (e) CO32- |
| (f) ClO3– | (g) SO42- | (h) PO43- | (i) SO32– | (j) NO2– |
| (k) BF4– | (l) NO3– |
Lewis structures of Organic Compounds
Select the correct Lewis structure for the formula C3H8
Select the correct Lewis structure for each of the following carbocation:
C3H7+
