How many electrons (including both lone pairs and bonding pairs) are shown in the correct Lewis dot structure of the neutral compound HClO?

• A. 14
• B. 16
• C. 18
• D. 20

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Determine the total number of valence electrons for the neutral compound HClO by adding the valence electrons of each atom. Hydrogen (H) has 1 valence electron, chlorine (Cl) has 7 valence electrons, and oxygen (O) has 6 valence electrons. So, total valence electrons = 1 + 7 + 6.
2. Step 2: Draw the skeletal structure of HClO, typically with chlorine as the central atom bonded to hydrogen and oxygen. Connect the atoms with single bonds initially. Each single bond represents 2 shared electrons.
3. Step 3: Distribute the remaining valence electrons as lone pairs around the atoms to satisfy the octet rule (or duet for hydrogen). Remember that hydrogen only needs 2 electrons, while oxygen and chlorine generally need 8 electrons each.
4. Step 4: Count all the electrons shown in the Lewis structure, including both bonding pairs (shared electrons in bonds) and lone pairs (non-bonding electrons) on all atoms.
5. Step 5: Verify that the total number of electrons counted matches the total valence electrons calculated in Step 1, ensuring the Lewis structure is correct and complete.