Which of the following statements correctly describes the Lewis dot structure of carbon tetrachloride (CCl_4)?

• A. The central carbon atom forms four single bonds with four chlorine atoms, and each chlorine atom has two lone pairs.
• B. The central carbon atom forms four single bonds with four chlorine atoms, and each chlorine atom has three lone pairs.
• C. The central carbon atom forms one triple bond with one chlorine atom and three single bonds with the other chlorine atoms.
• D. The central carbon atom forms two double bonds with two chlorine atoms, and each chlorine atom has two lone pairs.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the central atom in carbon tetrachloride (CCl_4), which is carbon, because it is less electronegative and can form multiple bonds.
2. Recall that carbon has 4 valence electrons and chlorine has 7 valence electrons each; the total valence electrons must be accounted for in the Lewis structure.
3. Determine the bonding: carbon typically forms four single covalent bonds to complete its octet, so it will form four single bonds with four chlorine atoms.
4. Assign lone pairs to chlorine atoms: each chlorine atom needs three lone pairs (6 electrons) to complete its octet after forming one single bond with carbon.
5. Verify the octet rule for all atoms: carbon has 8 electrons from four single bonds, and each chlorine has 8 electrons (one bond plus three lone pairs), confirming the correct Lewis structure.