Which of the following statements correctly describes the Lewis dot structure of the neutral compound CH5N (methylamine)?

• A. Nitrogen has two lone pairs and forms two single bonds with hydrogen and carbon.
• B. Nitrogen forms four single bonds with hydrogen and carbon, with no lone pairs.
• C. Nitrogen has one lone pair and forms three single bonds with hydrogen and carbon.
• D. Carbon forms five single bonds with hydrogen and nitrogen.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the total number of valence electrons in the molecule CH5N. Carbon has 4 valence electrons, hydrogen has 1 each, and nitrogen has 5 valence electrons. Sum these to find the total valence electrons available for bonding.
2. Determine the typical bonding patterns and octet rule preferences for each atom: Carbon usually forms 4 bonds, nitrogen typically forms 3 bonds and has 1 lone pair, and hydrogen forms 1 bond.
3. Construct a skeletal structure with carbon as the central atom bonded to nitrogen and hydrogens. Then, arrange the hydrogens around carbon and nitrogen to satisfy their bonding requirements.
4. Assign lone pairs to nitrogen after forming its bonds. Since nitrogen usually has 5 valence electrons and forms 3 bonds, it will have 1 lone pair remaining to complete its octet.
5. Verify that all atoms satisfy the octet (or duet for hydrogen) rule and that the total number of electrons used in bonds and lone pairs equals the total valence electrons calculated initially.