Draw a Lewis structure for each of the following:
c. (CH₃)₂CHCH(CH₃)CH₂C(CH₃)₃

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Identify the molecular formula and structure. The given compound is (CH3)2CHCH(CH3)CH2C(CH3)3. This is a branched alkane, and the structure can be broken down into groups: two methyl groups (CH3) attached to a CH group, followed by another CH group with a methyl group attached, then a CH2 group, and finally a carbon atom bonded to three methyl groups.
2. Step 2: Start with the main carbon chain. The main chain consists of six carbon atoms. Arrange these carbons in a linear fashion: C-C-C-C-C-C.
3. Step 3: Add substituents to the main chain. Attach the substituents (methyl groups) to the appropriate carbon atoms as indicated in the molecular formula. For example, two methyl groups are attached to the first CH group, one methyl group is attached to the second CH group, and three methyl groups are attached to the last carbon atom.
4. Step 4: Complete the valence of each carbon atom by adding hydrogen atoms. Each carbon atom should have a total of four bonds. For example, if a carbon atom is bonded to three other carbons, it will need one hydrogen atom to complete its valence.
5. Step 5: Verify the structure. Ensure that all carbon atoms have four bonds and that the total number of hydrogen atoms matches the molecular formula. The final structure should represent the correct connectivity and satisfy the octet rule for all atoms involved.

Key Concepts

Lewis Structures

Lewis structures are diagrams that represent the bonding between atoms in a molecule and the lone pairs of electrons that may exist. They use dots to represent electrons and lines to represent bonds, allowing chemists to visualize the arrangement of atoms and the distribution of electrons. Understanding how to draw Lewis structures is essential for predicting molecular geometry and reactivity.

Alkane Structure

Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons consisting only of carbon and hydrogen atoms, connected by single bonds. The general formula for alkanes is CnH2n+2, where 'n' is the number of carbon atoms. Recognizing the structure of alkanes is crucial for drawing their Lewis structures, as it helps identify the number of hydrogen atoms attached to each carbon and the overall molecular shape.

Tertiary and Quaternary Carbons

In organic chemistry, carbon atoms can be classified based on the number of other carbon atoms they are bonded to. A tertiary carbon is bonded to three other carbons, while a quaternary carbon is bonded to four. Identifying these types of carbons is important when drawing Lewis structures, as it influences the connectivity and branching of the molecule, affecting its chemical properties.