Which of the following statements correctly describes the Lewis dot structure of the neutral compound HClO_3?

• A. Oxygen is the central atom, bonded to chlorine and two hydrogen atoms.
• B. Chlorine is the central atom, bonded to three oxygen atoms, each with a double bond.
• C. Chlorine is the central atom, bonded to three oxygen atoms, all with single bonds; all oxygens have zero formal charge.
• D. Chlorine is the central atom, bonded to three oxygen atoms, with one double bond and two single bonds; each single-bonded oxygen has a negative formal charge.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the atoms present in HClO_3: one hydrogen (H), one chlorine (Cl), and three oxygen (O) atoms.
2. Determine the central atom: typically, the least electronegative atom that can form multiple bonds is central. Here, chlorine (Cl) is less electronegative than oxygen and can expand its octet, so Cl is the central atom.
3. Arrange the atoms with Cl in the center bonded to three oxygen atoms, and the hydrogen atom bonded to one of the oxygens (since H usually bonds to O, not Cl).
4. Count the total valence electrons: Cl has 7, each O has 6 (total 18 for three O), and H has 1, summing to 26 valence electrons.
5. Distribute electrons to satisfy the octet rule where possible: form one double bond between Cl and one oxygen to reduce formal charges, and single bonds to the other two oxygens, which will carry negative formal charges; the hydrogen is bonded to one oxygen, completing its valence with a single bond.