Which of the following Lewis dot structures correctly represents ethene (C2H4)?

• A. Each carbon atom is connected by a single bond, and each carbon has three single bonds to hydrogen atoms.
• B. Each carbon atom is connected by a double bond, and each carbon has three single bonds to hydrogen atoms.
• C. Each carbon atom is connected by a triple bond, and each carbon has one single bond to a hydrogen atom.
• D. Each carbon atom is connected by a double bond, and each carbon has two single bonds to hydrogen atoms.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the molecular formula of ethene, which is C2H4, indicating two carbon atoms and four hydrogen atoms.
2. Determine the bonding requirements for carbon atoms: each carbon forms four bonds to satisfy the octet rule.
3. Analyze the given options by counting the bonds around each carbon atom: single bonds to hydrogens plus bonds between carbons must total four.
4. Recognize that a double bond between the two carbon atoms allows each carbon to form two additional single bonds with hydrogen atoms, satisfying the four-bond requirement.
5. Conclude that the correct Lewis structure for ethene has a double bond between the two carbons and two single bonds from each carbon to hydrogen atoms.