Draw a Lewis structure for each of the following compounds:
(b)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the total number of valence electrons for the compound. To do this, determine the number of valence electrons contributed by each atom in the compound based on their group number in the periodic table.
2. Determine the central atom in the compound. The central atom is usually the least electronegative element (excluding hydrogen).
3. Arrange the remaining atoms around the central atom and connect them with single bonds. Each single bond represents two electrons.
4. Distribute the remaining valence electrons as lone pairs around the outer atoms to satisfy the octet rule (or duet rule for hydrogen). If there are still electrons left, place them on the central atom.
5. If the central atom does not have a complete octet, consider forming double or triple bonds by sharing lone pairs from the surrounding atoms with the central atom. Ensure all atoms satisfy the octet rule where applicable.

Key Concepts

Lewis Structure

A Lewis structure is a diagram that represents the bonding between atoms in a molecule and the lone pairs of electrons that may exist. It uses dots to represent valence electrons and lines to represent bonds between atoms. Understanding how to draw Lewis structures is essential for visualizing molecular geometry and predicting the behavior of molecules in chemical reactions.

Valence Electrons

Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom that are involved in forming bonds with other atoms. The number of valence electrons determines how an atom can bond with others, influencing the molecule's structure and reactivity. Knowing how to count and distribute valence electrons is crucial for accurately drawing Lewis structures.

Octet Rule

The octet rule is a chemical rule of thumb that states atoms tend to bond in such a way that they each have eight electrons in their valence shell, achieving a stable electron configuration similar to that of noble gases. This rule helps predict how atoms will bond and the arrangement of electrons in Lewis structures, guiding the drawing of accurate representations of molecules.