Which of the following statements correctly describes the Lewis dot structure of the neutral compound CH2F2 (difluoromethane)?

• A. The central carbon atom forms one double bond with a fluorine atom and two single bonds with hydrogen atoms.
• B. The central carbon atom forms two double bonds: one with a hydrogen atom and one with a fluorine atom.
• C. The central carbon atom forms one triple bond with a fluorine atom and one single bond with a hydrogen atom.
• D. The central carbon atom forms four single bonds: two with hydrogen atoms and two with fluorine atoms.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the total number of valence electrons for each atom in CH2F2: Carbon has 4 valence electrons, each hydrogen has 1, and each fluorine has 7.
2. Sum the valence electrons: 4 (C) + 2×1 (H) + 2×7 (F) = 20 valence electrons in total for the molecule.
3. Determine the bonding pattern: Carbon typically forms four bonds to complete its octet, hydrogen forms one bond, and fluorine forms one bond plus three lone pairs to complete its octet.
4. Construct the Lewis structure by placing carbon in the center, forming single bonds to two hydrogens and two fluorines, ensuring all atoms achieve a full valence shell (octet for C and F, duet for H).
5. Verify that the total number of electrons used in bonds and lone pairs equals the total valence electrons and that no double or triple bonds are necessary for this neutral molecule.