Which of the following represents a correct Lewis structure for CH2FCO2H (fluoroacetic acid)?

• A. The carboxylic acid group is attached directly to a hydrogen atom, and the central carbon is bonded only to fluorine and two hydrogens.
• B. The central carbon is bonded to three hydrogens and one fluorine, with the carboxylic acid group attached to the fluorine atom.
• C. The central carbon is double-bonded to fluorine and single-bonded to two hydrogens and one carboxylic acid group.
• D. The central carbon is bonded to two hydrogens, one fluorine, and one carboxylic acid group (CO2H), with all atoms having complete octets and no formal charges.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the molecular formula and the connectivity of atoms in fluoroacetic acid (CH2FCO2H). The molecule consists of a central carbon atom bonded to two hydrogens, one fluorine, and one carboxylic acid group (CO2H).
2. Recall that the carboxylic acid group (CO2H) consists of a carbon atom double-bonded to one oxygen atom, single-bonded to a hydroxyl group (OH), and single-bonded to the central carbon atom.
3. Draw the central carbon atom with single bonds to two hydrogen atoms and one fluorine atom, and a single bond to the carboxylic acid carbon atom.
4. Complete the Lewis structure by adding the double bond between the carboxylic acid carbon and one oxygen atom, and a single bond between the carboxylic acid carbon and the hydroxyl oxygen atom, which is also bonded to a hydrogen atom.
5. Check that all atoms (except hydrogen) have complete octets and that the formal charges are minimized, confirming the correct Lewis structure for fluoroacetic acid.