Which of the following statements correctly describes the Lewis dot structure of the neutral compound C2H2Br2?

• A. Both hydrogen atoms are bonded to the same carbon, while both bromine atoms are bonded to the other carbon.
• B. Each carbon atom forms a single bond with the other carbon, and each carbon is bonded to two bromine atoms.
• C. The two bromine atoms are bonded directly to each other, and both are attached to one carbon atom.
• D. Each carbon atom forms a double bond with the other carbon, and each carbon is bonded to one hydrogen and one bromine atom.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the molecular formula and the atoms involved: C2H2Br2 contains two carbon atoms, two hydrogen atoms, and two bromine atoms.
2. Recall that carbon typically forms four bonds to satisfy the octet rule, hydrogen forms one bond, and bromine typically forms one bond in organic compounds.
3. Consider the bonding between the two carbon atoms: to satisfy the valence requirements and the given number of hydrogens and bromines, the carbons are likely connected by a double bond, which accounts for two bonds between them.
4. Assign the remaining bonds so that each carbon atom is bonded to one hydrogen atom and one bromine atom, ensuring each carbon has a total of four bonds (two from the double bond, one from hydrogen, and one from bromine).
5. Verify that the bromine atoms are not bonded to each other but are each bonded to separate carbon atoms, and that the hydrogens are each bonded to separate carbons, consistent with the correct Lewis structure.