Which of the following statements correctly describes the Lewis dot structure of a neutral compound with the formula C3H7N?

• A. All three carbon atoms are directly bonded to the nitrogen atom.
• B. The nitrogen atom forms three bonds with hydrogen atoms and has no lone pairs.
• C. The nitrogen atom has a lone pair and is bonded to one carbon atom.
• D. The nitrogen atom is double-bonded to a carbon atom and has two lone pairs.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the total number of valence electrons in the molecule C3H7N. Carbon has 4 valence electrons, hydrogen has 1, and nitrogen has 5. Calculate the total by multiplying each by the number of atoms and summing: \$3 \times 4 + 7 \times 1 + 1 \times 5$.
2. Determine the bonding framework by considering typical bonding patterns: carbon usually forms 4 bonds, hydrogen forms 1 bond, and nitrogen typically forms 3 bonds and has 1 lone pair in neutral amines.
3. Analyze the given options by comparing them to common bonding rules and the total valence electrons. For example, nitrogen forming three bonds with hydrogen and no lone pairs is unusual for a neutral amine, and nitrogen double-bonded with two lone pairs is unlikely due to valence electron count and stability.
4. Recall that in neutral amines (like C3H7N), nitrogen usually forms three bonds (often to carbons and/or hydrogens) and retains one lone pair, which fits the description of nitrogen bonded to one carbon atom with a lone pair.
5. Conclude that the correct Lewis structure for C3H7N involves nitrogen bonded to one carbon atom and possessing one lone pair, consistent with typical amine structures and valence electron considerations.