Which of the following is the correct Lewis valence electron dot structure for chlorine (Cl)?

• A. Cl with eight dots arranged as four pairs around the symbol
• B. Cl with five dots arranged as two pairs and one single dot around the symbol
• C. Cl with six dots arranged as three pairs around the symbol
• D. Cl with seven dots arranged as three pairs and one single dot around the symbol

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the Lewis dot structure represents the valence electrons of an atom as dots around the chemical symbol.
2. Determine the number of valence electrons for chlorine (Cl). Chlorine is in group 17 (or VIIA) of the periodic table, so it has 7 valence electrons.
3. Distribute these 7 valence electrons as dots around the Cl symbol. Electrons are placed as pairs or singles on the four sides (top, bottom, left, right) of the symbol.
4. Arrange the 7 dots as three pairs (6 electrons) and one single dot (1 electron) to represent all valence electrons without pairing more than two electrons on one side.
5. Verify that the total number of dots equals 7, matching chlorine's valence electrons, confirming the correct Lewis structure is Cl with seven dots arranged as three pairs and one single dot.