SHS

General Chemistry 1
Quarter 2 - Module 2
Octet Rule & Lewis Structure of Molecular
Covalent Compounds
General Chemistry 1
Grade 11/12 Quarter 2 - Module 3 - Octet Rule in the Formation of
Molecular Covalent Compounds
First Edition, 2020

Copyright © 2020
La Union Schools Division
Region I

All rights reserved. No part of this module may be reproduced in any form
without written permission from the copyright owners.

Development Team of the Module

Author: MARIZA R. MAPALO, T-III

Editor: SDO La Union, Learning Resource Quality Assurance Team

Illustrator: Ernesto F. Ramos Jr., P II

Management Team:

Atty. Donato D. Balderas, Jr.

Schools Division Superintendent

Vivian Luz S. Pagatpatan, PhD

Assistant Schools Division Superintendent

German E. Flora, PhD, CID Chief

Virgilio C. Boado, PhD, EPS in Charge of LRMS

Rominel S. Sobremonte, Ed.D., EPS in Charge of Science

Michael Jason D. Morales, PDO II

Claire P. Toluyen, Librarian II

 General Chemistry 1
Quarter 2 – Week 3
Module 3 - Octet Rule in the
Formation of Molecular Covalent
Compounds
 Target

The octet rule dictates that atoms are most stable when their valence
shells are filled with eight electrons. It is based on the observation that the
atoms of the main group elements tend to participate in chemical bonding in
such a way that each atom of the resulting molecule has eight electrons in
the valence shell. The octet rule is only applicable to the main group elements.

The molecules of the halogens, oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon are known to
obey the octet rule. In general, the elements that obey this rule include the s-
block elements and the p-block elements (with the exception of hydrogen,
helium, and lithium).

In your previous lesson, you are done with the drawing of Lewis Structure of
the Ions.

These modules will provide you with information and activities that will help
you understand the Octet Rule in the formation of molecular covalent compounds.

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. Define octet rule.

2. Identify molecular covalent compounds
3. Apply the Octet Rule in the formation of molecular covalent compounds
STEM_GC11CBIId-g-76
4. Write the formula of molecular compounds formed by the nonmetallic
elements of the representative block
STEM_GC11CBIId-g-77

Before you begin, answer the pretest below

Pre-Test Activity 1: Encircle the letter of the best answer.

1. What dictates the stability of the atoms during chemical bonding?

A. Electronic Configuration C. Magnetic property of the atom
B. Lewis Dot Structure D. Octet Rule

2. What is valence electron?

A. The atomic number
B. Electrons in the first level
C. Electrons in the second energy level
D. Electrons in the outermost energy level

3. Which of the following bonds of elements follows the octet rule?

A. H-H C. H-F
B. Cl-Cl D. H-Cl

4. In the Lewis structure for the OF2 molecule, the number of lone pairs
of electrons around the central oxygen atom is _____.
A. 0 B. 1 C. 2 D. 3

5. Which one of the following violates the octet rule?

A. PCl3 B. CBr4 C. OF2 D. AsF5

6. In the ground state, which of the following has a completely filled valence
electrons?
A. Potassium C. Radon
B. Radium D. Sulfur

7. How many electrons does Nitrogen need to gain in order to have an octet?
A. 2 B. 3 C. 4 D. 5

8. According to the octet rule, atoms of element react with each other in order
to attain ___ in their outermost energy level. Which among the numbers
below completes the sentence?
A. 5 B. 6 C. 7 D. 8

9. Who formulated the Octet Rule?

A. Richard Abegg C. Isaac Newton
B. Gilbert N. Lewis D. Dmitri Mendeleev

10. How many electrons needed by Phosphorus in order to complete the Octet
Rule?
A. 2 B. 3 C. 4 D. 5

11. Which of the following statement is TRUE?

A. A covalent bond is the same as ionic bond.
B. The Octet rule only applies to molecules with covalent bonds.
C. A molecule is polar if the shared electrons are equally shared.
D. A molecule is nonpolar if the shared electrons are equally shared.
12. When atoms tend to share their electrons with one another to satisfy the
Octet rule, the type of bond formed is ________________.
A. Covalent B. Ionic C. both D. none of these

13. Which of the following statement is TRUE about Octet rule?

A. The octet rule states that atoms with six valence electrons are most
stable.
B. An atom is “incomplete” when its valence shell has eight electrons;
"complete" atoms share electrons and in so doing end up with full
valence shells.
C. The octet rule is a formal measure of how favorable a chemical bond is
between atoms.
D. Atoms follow the octet rule because they always seek the most stable
electron configuration.

14. What type of diagram is use in order to illustrate the octet rule?
A. Histogram C. Lewis Electron Dot Diagram
B. Pie graph D. Venn Diagram

15. Determine the Lewis structure of Oxygen gas.

A. C.

B. D.
 Lesson
1 The Octet Rule

Jumpstart

Graduation is one of the most exciting moments in one”s life. It marks the end
of a stage of life and the beginning of another one. The ceremony is challenging for
the organizers. The seats are just enough for the graduates and one parent. In order
for the smooth flow of people in the program, ushers and usherettes are assigned to
guide the graduates and parents to their assigned seats. Electrons in atoms behave
the same way. There are rules that determine where electrons go in compounds.

Discover

The octet rule in chemistry is the principle that bonded atoms share their
eight outer electrons. (A pair of electrons that is shared between two atoms is called
a bond pair. A pair of electrons that is not shared between two atoms is called a lone
pair.) This gives the atom a valence shell resembling that of a noble gas. They have
completed outer electron shells, which make them very stable. Other elements also
seek stability, which governs their reactivity and bonding behavior.

The octet rule is a "rule" that is sometimes broken. However, it applies to

carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, the halogens are one electron away from filled energy
levels, so they are very reactive. (chlorine, bromine, iodine and astatine), and most

metals, especially the alkali metals ( lithium ,sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium

and francium). and alkaline earth metals (beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium,

barium and radium).

 Why Elements Follows the Octet Rule

Atoms follow the octet rule because they always seek the most stable electron
configuration. Following the octet rule results in completely filled s- and p- orbitals
in an atom's outermost energy level. Low atomic weight elements (the first 20
elements) are most likely to adhere to the octet rule.

A Lewis electron dot diagram may be drawn to illustrate the octet rule. In such
a structure, electrons shared in a covalent bond between two atoms are counted

Examples:

1. Single Covalent Bonds

H.+ H. H -H The shared pairs of electrons are bonding pairs

. . ... The unshared pairs of electrons are lone pairs or

H + .F..
nonbonding pairs
F-H

` 2. Double and Triple Covalent Bonds

.O..... + .O.....
Some atoms can satisfy the octet rule by
sharing two pairs of electrons to form a
O O double bond

Double bonds are shorter and stronger

than single

..N. . + ..N. . N Some atoms can share three pairs of

. . electrons to form a triple bond

Triple bonds are shorter and stronger

than single

Limitations of Octet Rule :

(1) Hydrogen with 1 electron attains stability by sharing, gaining or losing 1 valence
electron. It does not need to complete octet to attain stability. Also, He has only 2
electrons and is stable.

(2) Incomplete octet: In certain molecules such as BeH2, BeCl2, BH3, BF3, the central
atom has less than 8 electrons in its valence shell, yet the molecule is stable.

(3) Expanded octet: In certain molecules such as PF5, SF6, IF7, H2SO4, the central atom
has more than 8 valence electrons, yet the molecule is stable
 Explore

Enrichment Activity No. 1: Use separate sheet of paper for your answer.

A. Draw the Lewis Dot Structure of the following molecules.

1. H2S
2. SO3
3. CH2Br2
4. HCN
5. NaCl

B. Identify what kind of bond present in the following molecules.

1. CH4
2. O2
3. N2
4. CO2
5. Cl2

Deepen

Give your brief explanation on the following questions. Use a separate sheet
of paper for your answer. Use the rubrics below for your possible score.
5 4 3 2
Distinguished Proficient Basic Unsatisfactory
Shows a thorough Show a complete Shows partial Shows serious
understanding of the and correct mastery of misconceptions or
concept or material understanding of the prerequisite lack of
and extends the concept or the ability knowledge and a understanding of the
understanding to perform the skill rudimentary or concept or an
beyond the as articulated. incomplete inability to perform
requirements (e.g., understanding of the the skill.
relating concept or a
concepts/materials rudimentary ability
to other to perform the skill
concepts/materials, as articulated.
offering new ideas,
by a deep and
nuanced analysis, or
by demonstrating a
level of skill beyond
expectations for
proficiency)
 1. What is an octet rule?

2. How does the octet rule influence bonding?

3. Why is the octet rule important in chemical bonding?

Gauge

Direction: Write the letter of the best answer in a separate sheet of paper.

1. What dictates the stability of the atoms during chemical bonding?

A. Electronic Configuration C. Magnetic property of the atom
B. Lewis Dot Structure D. Octet Rule

2. What is valence electron?

A. The atomic number
B. Electrons in the first level
C. Electrons in the second energy level
D. Electrons in the outermost energy level

3. Which of the following bonds of elements follows the octet rule?

A. H-H C. H-F
B. Cl-Cl D. H-Cl

4. In the Lewis structure for the OF2 molecule, the number of lone pairs
of electrons around the central oxygen atom is _____.
A. 0 B. 1 C. 2 D. 3

5. Which one of the following violates the octet rule?

A. PCl3 B. CBr4 C. OF2 D. AsF5

6. In the ground state, which of the following has a completely filled valence
electrons?
A. Potassium C. Radon
B. Radium D. Sulfur
7. How many electrons does Nitrogen need to gain in order to have an octet?
A. 2 B. 3 C. 4 D. 5

8. According to the octet rule, atoms of element react with each other in order
to attain ___ in their outermost energy level. Which among the numbers
below completes the sentence?
A. 5 B. 6 C. 7 D. 8

9. Who formulated the Octet Rule?

A. Richard Abegg C. Isaac Newton
B. Gilbert N. Lewis D. Dmitri Mendeleev

10. How many electrons needed by Phosphorus in order to complete the Octet
Rule?
A. 2 B. 3 C. 4 D. 5

11. Which of the following statement is TRUE?

A. A covalent bond is the same as ionic bond.
B. The Octet rule only applies to molecules with covalent bonds.
C. A molecule is polar if the shared electrons are equally shared.
D. A molecule is nonpolar if the shared electrons are equally shared.

12. When atoms tend to share their electrons with one another to satisfy the
Octet rule, the type of bond formed is ________________.
A. Covalent B. Ionic C. both D. none of these

13. Which of the following statement is TRUE about Octet rule?

A. The octet rule states that atoms with six valence electrons are most
stable.
B. An atom is “incomplete” when its valence shell has eight electrons;
"complete" atoms share electrons and in so doing end up with full
valence shells.
C. The octet rule is a formal measure of how favorable a chemical bond is
between atoms.
D. Atoms follow the octet rule because they always seek the most stable
electron configuration.

14. What type of diagram is use in order to illustrate the octet rule?
A. Histogram C. Lewis Electron Dot Diagram
B. Pie graph D. Venn Diagram

15. In a chemical bonding, the unshared electrons are called ______________.

A. Alone pair C. lone pair
B. Bonding pair D. metal pair
 Lesson
Jumpstart
2
Formula of Molecular Compounds

Jumpstart

A. Write the formulas for the following covalent compounds:

1) disulfur tetrafluoride _________________________
2) carbon trioxide _________________________
3) nitrogen pentoxide _________________________
4) nitrogen tribromide _________________________
5) dinitrogen heptachloride _________________________
6) carbon tetrachloride _________________________
7) hydrogen monochloride _________________________
8) trihydrogen monophosphide _________________________
9) dihydrogen monoxide _________________________
10) nitrogen monoxide __________________________

B. Write the name of the following covalent compounds.

1. N2O __________________________
2. S2Cl2 _________________________________________

3. Cl2O7 _________________________________________

4. NH3 _________________________________________

5. CH4 ________________________________________

6. H2O ________________________________________

7. H2O2 ________________________________________

8. NH4 ________________________________________

9. C8H18 ________________________________________

10. CO2 ________________________________________

 Discover

Chemical Nomenclature

The primary function of chemical nomenclature is to ensure that a spoken or

written chemical name leaves no ambiguity concerning to what chemical compound
the name refers. Each chemical name should refer to a single substance. Today,
scientists often refer to chemicals by their common names: for example, water is
not often called dihydrogen oxide. However, it is important to be able to recognize
and name all chemicals in a standardized way. The most widely accepted format for
nomenclature has been established by IUPAC.

Molecular compounds are made when two or more elements share electrons
in a covalent bond to connect the elements. Typically, non-metals tend to share
electrons, make covalent bonds, and thus, form molecular compounds.

Rules for Naming Molecular Compounds:

1. Remove the ending of the second element, and add “ide” just like in ionic
compounds.

2. When naming molecular compounds prefixes are used to dictate the number
of a given element present in the compound.

1 mono
2 di
3 tri
4 tetra
5 penta
6 hexa
7 hepta
8 octo
9 nona
10 deca

3. If there is only one of the first element, you can drop the prefix. For example,
CO is carbon monoxide, not monocarbon monoxide.
 4. The a or o at the end of a prefix is usually dropped from the name when the
name of the element begins with a vowel. As an example, four oxygen atoms,
is tetroxide instead of tetraoxide.

Examples of Molecular Compound Names:

• SO2 is called sulfur dioxide

• SiI4 is called silicon tetraiodide
• SF6 is called sulfur hexafluoride
• CS2 is called carbon disulfide

Generally, the less-electronegative element is written first in the formula, though

there are a few exceptions. Carbon is always first in a formula and hydrogen is
after nitrogen in a formula such as NH3. The order of common nonmetals in binary
compound formulas is C, P, N, H, S, I, Br, Cl, O, F.

Lesson Summary

• Molecular compounds exist as a collection of individual molecules.

• The formula of a binary molecular compound shows how many of each atom
are present in the molecule. The less electronegative element is generally
written first.

• Prefixes are used in the names of molecular compounds to designate how

many of each atom are in the molecule.
 Explore

Enrichment Activity No. 2:

A: Fill in the table to indicate the number of atoms of each type in the
molecular formula. Use separate sheet of paper for your answers

Number of Number of
Molecular atoms in atoms in
Name of compound
Formula the first the second
element element
Ex: ClF 1 1 Chlorine monofluoride
ClF5
CO
CO2
Cl2O
PCl5
N2O5

B: Examine the molecular formulas given in the above table for various
molecular compounds.

1. How many different elements are present in each compound shown?

2. Do the compounds combine metals with metals, metals with nonmetals,
or nonmetals with nonmetals?
3. Based on your answer in number 2, what type of bonding must be
involved in molecular compounds
C. Give the formula of the following molecular compound.

1. boron trichloride
2. sulfur hexafluoride
3. iodine heptafluoride
4. nitrogen triiodide
5. dinitrogen tetroxide
6. dichlorine monoxide
7. tetraphosphorus decoxide
8. pentaboron nonahydride
9. tribromine octoxide
10. chlorine monofluoride

D. What suffix (ending) do all the compound names in activity C have in common?
E. Carefully examine the name of the compounds in activity C, when is a prefix
NOT used in front of the name of an element?

F. Consider the compound NO, which element would require a prefix in the
molecule name? Explain your answer
 Deepen

There are several compounds we all use in our daily life, which have become
an essential part of our growth and survival. We encounter these compounds in our
daily life; in the food we eat, the water we drink and the air we breathe.

Below are examples of molecular compounds research their uses in our

everyday lives

Molecular
Uses in our everyday lives
Compounds

1 NH3

2 CH4

3 NO2

4 PCl5

5 CO2
 Gauge

A: Direction: Write the letter of the best answer in a separate sheet of paper.

1. What type of elements typically form binary molecular compounds?

A. Alkaline earth metals C. metalloids

B. Metals D. nonmetals

2. What determines the order of the elements in the formula of a molecular

compound?

A. less electronegative element C. less electropositive element

B. more electronegative element D. more electropositive element
3. Which statement is NOT TRUE on the rules for using the prefix system of
nomenclature of binary molecular compounds?
A. The order in which common nonmetals are written in binary
compound formulas is the same as their order in the following series:
P, N, H, S, I, Br, Cl, O, F, C.
B. The first element in the formula is written first in the name of the
compound, along with the appropriate prefix.
C. The a or o at the end of a prefix is usually dropped from the name
when the name of the element begins with a vowel.
D. The second element is named after the first, but the ending of the
element’s name is changed to –ide.

4. The most widely accepted format for nomenclature has been established by
IUPAC. IUPAC means _________________________.
A. International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry
B. International Unison of Pure and Applied Chemistry
C. Interagency Union of Pure and Applied BioChemistry
D. International Union of Pharmaceutical and Applied Chemistry

5. What determines the number of atoms in a molecular compound?

A. Number of electrons C. prefix
B. Number of elements D. suffix
B: Write the chemical name of the following molecular compounds
1.PBr3 4. SO3
2.SCl4 5.BrF
3.N2F2
C: Write the chemical formula of the following molecular compounds.
1.Disulfur decafluoride 4.Dinitrogen trioxide
2.Carbon tetrachloride 5.Tetraphosphorus heptasulfide
3.Oxygen difluoride
Deepen: p14 D. -IDE
1. NH3 E. when there is 1 Enrichment Activity No. 2C
2. CH4 atom in the first 1. BCl5 5. N2O4 9. Br3O8
3. NO2 element 2. SF6 6. Cl2O 10. ClF
4. PCl5 F. oxygen requires 3. IF7 7. P4O10
5. CO2 the prefix bec. it is 4. NI3 8. B5H9
Gauge A the second element
1. D
2. A Enrichment Activity No. 2B
3. A 1. 2 2. Nonmetals with nonmetals 3. covalent
4. A
5. C
Gauge B
1 Phosphorus
tribromide
2 Sulfur
tetrachloride
3 Dinitrogen
difluoride
4 Sulfur
trioxide
5 Bromine
monofluoride
Gauge C
1. S2F10
2.CCl4
3. OF2
Lesson 2: Letter B Lesson 2: Letter A
4. N2O3
5.P4S7
1. Dinitrogen monoxide 1. S2F4
2. Disulfur dichloride 2. CO3
3. Dichlorine heptoxide 3. NO5
4. Ammonia 4. NBr3
5. Methane 5. N2Cl7
6. Water 6. CCl4
7. Dihydrogen peroxide 7. HCl
8. Ammonium 8. H3P
9. Octane 9. H2O
10.Carbon dioxide 10.NO
Deepen p.7 Lesson 1:
1.According to octet rule, atom tends to Lesson 1: Gauge
have 8 electrons in the valence shell to 1.B 2.D 3. C Pre-Activity p.3
attain stable configuration. 4.D 5.C 6.D
7.B 8.D 9.B 1. B
2. When atoms other than hydrogen form 10.B 11.D 12.A 2. D
covalent bonds, an octet is accomplished 13.D 14.C 15.D 3. C
by sharing. The octet rule can be used to 4. D
explain the number of covalent bonds an 5. C
atom form. This number normally equals 6. D
the number of electrons that atom needs Enrichment Activity 7. B
to have a total of eight electrons (an octet) No. 1 8. D
in its outer shell. 9. B
A. 10. B
3. The octet rule is important because it B.1 single bond 11. D
predicts how atoms will bond based on B.2 double bond 12. A
their outer shell of valance electrons. B.3 Triple bond 13. D
B.4 double bond 14. C
B.5 single bond 15. D
Key Answer
 General Chemistry 1
Quarter 2
Lesson 4 - Lewis Structure of
Molecular Covalent Compounds

Target

The Lewis structure of a molecule shows how the valence electrons are
arranged among the atoms in the molecule. These representations are named after
Gilbert Newton Lewis. In writing Lewis structures, the rule is that only the valence
electrons are included, using dots to represent electrons. The general concept is that
atoms make use of their valence electrons in chemical bonding. Since, the outermost
electrons are the ones that are highest in energy and farthest from the nucleus and
are therefore the ones that are most exposed to other atoms when bonds form.
Covalent bond is the result of the sharing of electrons between two atoms
which can be achieved in two ways: First is, the sharing of electrons between atoms
of the same kind (examples: of H2, Cl2, O2, etc.). Second, the sharing of electrons
between atoms of different kind (Examples: CH4, H2O, NH3, etc.). Covalent
compounds are composed of two or more different nonmetal atoms. It is represented
by electron-dot (circles or dots) or Lewis formulas. An electron pair (:) or a dash
between two atoms represents a covalent bond. When the two atoms share one pair
of electrons, as in H2, the bond is called a single bond, when two pairs are shared, as
in O2, it is called double bond. When they share three pairs, as in N2, it is called triple
bond.
In a molecule, there is a central atom (C) that holds all other atoms. The atoms
attached to it are called bonded atoms (B). Valence electrons of the central atom that
do not participate in molecule formation are called lone pairs (L). Lone pairs of
electrons affect the geometry of molecules. Many physical and chemical properties
such as boiling points and density of molecules are affected by the way atoms are
arranged. The arrangement of atoms in a molecule is called the geometry of
molecules.
This Learning Material will provide you simple problem-solving strategy,
activities and simple exercises on drawing the Lewis structure of some covalent
compounds then, the geometry of the simple compounds will be described.
After going through this Learning Material, you are expected to:

• Draw Lewis structure of molecular covalent compounds (STEM_GC11CBIId-

g-78)
• Describe the geometry of simple compounds (STEM_GC11CBIId-g-81
- To use the VSEPR model to predict molecular geometries.

Ahhaaa!!! Before you proceed to the lesson proper, you need to find out how much you know
about the topic and you will be guided on what to be focused on. Take it easy! Good luck!!!
PRE-TEST
A. Directions: Match the covalent compounds below by choosing the
correct Lewis structure in the box. Write your answer on a separate
sheet by writing the LETTER only.
1. Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4)
2. Ammonia (NH3)
3. Phosphorus trichloride (PCl3)
4. Water (H2O)
5. Methane (CH4)
CHOICES
A. B. C.

D. E. F.

G. H. I.

B. Directions: Read the questions very well and choose the LETTER of the
correct answer. Use a separate sheet to write your answers.
6. Which of the following choices is represented by a covalent bond electron/s?
A. A single shared C. A pair of transferred
B. A pair of shared D. A pair of unshared
7. How many covalent bonds can oxygen form?
A. Two B. Three C. Four D. Six
8. How do you describe the shape of carbon dioxide?
A. Linear B. Octahedral C. Tetrahedral D. Trigonal Planar
9. What shape is formed when there are four (4) electron pairs in a certain
covalent compound?
A. Linear B. Planar C. Tetrahedral D. Trigonal
10. What shape is formed by a chemical compound with1200 bond angle having 3
electron pairs?
A. Linear B. Octahedral C. Tetrahedral D. Trigonal Planar
 11. What is the bond angle of a linear structure of a covalent compound?
A. 900 B. 109.50 C. 1200 D. 1800
(For numbers 12-15). How will you describe the geometrical shape formed by the
given Lewis structures of compounds below?

Select your answer from these choices:

A. Bent B. Linear C. Tetrahedral D. Trigonal Pyramidal

12.

13.

14.

15.

Just enjoy and take enough time in answering the activities in this module. Don’t worry if you
cannot give the correct answer yet in the Pre-test. It will serve you as a guide on what to focus
and study on in this module.
 Jumpstart

Individual molecules cannot be easily studied. The mass of an atom in a

molecule does not change nor the identities of the individual atoms. An oxygen
atom in water is the same oxygen atom in sugar, or in any number of other
compounds.

Discover

GUIDE IN WRITING THE LEWIS STRUCTURES OF SOME COVALENT

COMPOUNDS
Let us consider the following steps:
1. Determine the total valence electrons of the atoms in the molecule.
Before we give the total valence electrons, let us review how valence
electrons are determined in each element.
Example element: Oxygen, O2
• Use the periodic table of elements to find out the atomic number of the
elements. In the given example, the atomic number of Oxygen is 8.
• Next is to do the electronic configuration:
8O – 1s2 2s2 2p4 , to illustrate this using the Bohr Model would look like
this:
Note: Valence electron is
2 6 valence electron the electron found at the
outermost energy level or
known as the valence
shell.
Now that you know how to get the valence electron, you are ready to draw the
Lewis-Dot structure of the element, it looks like this:

How many dots are there?

If your answer is 6, that

number represents the
number of valence electron.

What about for molecules? Polyatomic anions and for polyatomic

cations? How will you determine their valence electrons?
Note:
For molecules – sum all valence electrons for all the atoms
For polyatomic anions - add the number of negative charges
For polyatomic cations - subtract the number of positive charges

For example:

CO2
(4x1) (6x2) The sum is: 4+12 = 16 valence electrons

Try this: NH4 - What is the total number of valence electrons?

2. Choose the central atom, it is usually the least electronegative element in the
compound and it is usually the first atom in the molecular formula or the atom
with higher covalency. Write the sequential arrangement of the atoms in a
molecule, (the so called skeleton). Chemists usually list this central atom first in
the chemical formula (as in CCl4 and CO32−, which both have C as the central
atom), which is another clue to the compound’s structure. Hydrogen and the
halogens are almost always connected to only one other atom, so they are
usually terminal rather than central.

Example:

NH3 Note: N is the central atom

H N H

H
3. Draw dots around the atoms and in between the elements or atoms in the
skeleton formula to distribute the electrons.
Note: A dash ( ) is used to connect two dots which represents the covalent
bond between two atoms. The dots are arranged to satisfy the OCTET RULE (with
eight valence electrons in each atom/element), but hydrogen has two only.
Example: H2 H H

Note: The valence electron of hydrogen is

and o, it looks this way: one, so it needs another one atom of H to
share the valence electron and to become
H H stable. Thereby, it satisfies the octet rule.
Connect the two dots to form a single bond.

4. If there are not enough electrons to give eight electrons to each atom (except
hydrogen), shift unbonded electrons as necessary, or change single bonds to
double or triple bonds.
5. Finally, count the electrons to verify the total number of electrons distributed
around each atom to satisfy the duet rule for hydrogen and octet rule for the
second-row elements but there are exceptions to the rule.

You are great! Now, that you are familiar on how to draw the Lewis structure of
the covalent compounds, let us connect the lesson to another topic which is to
describe the geometrical shapes of some simple compounds. Get ready and enjoy
the next activity!

How do we predict the shapes of the molecules?

The shape of molecules can be predicted by the combination of the Lewis theory
and VSEPR theory. VSEPR (pronounce as vesper) model means valence shell
electron-pair repulsion model. It is formed from molecules of nonmetals.
STEPS IN APPLYING VSEPR MODEL
1. Draw the Lewis structure for the molecule.
Example: BeCl2, Beryllium chloride
Find the valence electron of Be, Beryllium and Cl, Chlorine

4Be – 1s2 2s2 valence electron = 2

17Cl – 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p5 valence electron = 2+5= 7

What is the central atom (A)?

A or the central atom is Be Be

X or the terminal atom is Cl Cl

 Now, combine the two elements to become compound.

Cl Be

Note: A line represents bonding electrons, but what do you observe with the electron of
Beryllium? Is there a missing piece? Yes, there is a need to add another chlorine to share its
electron and become stable.

So, it becomes like this:

Cl Be Cl

2. Count the electron pairs and arrange them to minimize repulsion by putting
the pairs as far apart as possible.
3. Determine the positions of the atoms from the way the electron pairs are shared.
4. Name the molecular structure from the positions of the atoms.
Let us study Table 1 of the electron pair repulsion model to predict the shape of
some covalent compounds.
The table below gives the common molecular shapes. In this table we use A to
represent the central atom, X to represent the terminal atoms (i.e. the atoms
around the central atom) and E to represent any lone pairs
TABLE 1. Common Molecular Shapes

Number of Number of Geometry General Bond Angle

bonding lone pairs Formula (degrees)
electron pairs
1 or 2 0 Linear AX or AX2 180
2 2 Bent or angular AX2E2 109.5
3 0 Trigonal planar AX3 120
3 1 Trigonal AX3E 109.5
pyramidal
4 0 Tetrahedral AX4 109.5
5 0 Trigonal AX5 90, 120
bipyramidal
6 0 Octahedral AX6 90
Source: https://intl.siyavula.com/read/science/grade-11/atomic-
combinations/03-atomic-combinations-02#fig:shapes
Additional information:
✓ The term electron-pair geometry is the name of the geometry of the electron-
pair/groups/domains on the central atom, whether they are bonding or non-
bonding. It provides a guide to the bond angles of between a terminal-central-
terminal atom in a compound. Molecular geometry is the name of the

geometry used to describe the shape of a molecule. So, when asked to describe
the shape of a molecule we must respond with a molecular geometry. If asked
for the electron-pair geometry on the central atom we must respond with the
electron-pair geometry. To determine the shape (molecular geometry) of a
molecule you must write the Lewis structure and determine the number of
bonding groups of electrons and the number of non-bonding pairs of electrons
on the central atom, then use the associated name for that shape.
 Guide Questions:
1. In the example given above (BeCl2, Beryllium chloride) what do you think is
the number of bonding electron pairs? If your answer is two, you are correct!
2. Is there a lone pair? The correct answer must be, there is no lone pair.
3. Can you give the general formula formed? The answer is AX 2.
4. Can you describe the geometric shape of BeCl2, based from your answers on
the given questions above? Very good! The answer is linear.

Note: To familiarize yourself on the different geometric shapes, study the figures below.

FIGURE 1. The common molecular shapes.

FIGURE 2. The common molecular shapes in 3-D.

Source:https://intl.siyavula.com/read/science/grade-11/atomic-combinations/03-
atomic-combinations-02

Source:https://intl.siyavula.com/read/science/grade-11/atomiccombinations/03-atomic-
combinations-02

YOU ARE DOING WELL! Just continue with the activities on the next part of this
Learning Material! Come on!
 Explore

ACTIVITY 1: IT’S DRAWING TIME!

Directions: Complete the table below by drawing the Lewis structure of the given
atoms and compounds.

Covalent Central Atom Terminal Atom Lewis structure of the

Compound compound

BeCl2 Be Cl Cl B C

PCl5

BF3

NH3

CH4

SF6
 Deepen

ACTIVITY 2: The Illusion!

Directions: Complete the table below to describe the shape of the molecular
compounds. You may refer to the table shown above.

Covalent Bonding Nonbonding General Shape

Compound Formula
Example:
BeCl2 2 0 AX2 linear
H2O

BF3

NH3

CH4

SF6

Note: The bonding electrons are the shared electron pair while the nonbonding
electrons are the lone pairs (electrons not involved in the formation of bonds). In the
example, Be is the central atom surrounded by two bonding electrons and with no
lone pairs. So, the general formula is AX 2. In order to describe the shape, you may
use table 1 to guide you in describing the shape of the molecular compounds.

CONGRATULATIONS for doing the activities well!!! Let’s check how much you
gained from the different activities you’ve done by answering the questions on the
next page. Goodluck and give your best!
 Gauge

Directions: Read the questions properly with understanding. Answer the

questions correctly by writing the LETTER on the prepared answer sheet.
1. A covalent molecule has three bonding electron pairs and one lone pair.
The molecule has a general formula of AX3E. Which of the following choices is
the correct shape of the molecule?
A. Linear B. Planar C. Tetrahedral D. Trigonal Pyramidal

2. How do you describe the shape of methane, CH 4?

A. Octahedral B. Planar C. Tetrahedral D. Trigonal Pyramidal

3. How do you describe the shape of the molecule that looks like the figure below?

A. Bent B. Octahedral C. Tetrahedral D. Trigonal planar

4. Which of the following choices is represented by a covalent bond electron/s?

A. A single shared C. A pair of transferred
B. A pair of shared D. A pair of unshared

5. How many covalent bonds can carbon form?

A. Two B. Three C. Four D. Six

6. How do you describe the shape of methane, CH4?

A. Linear B. Octahedral C. Tetrahedral D. Trigonal Planar

7. What shape is formed when there are two (2) electron pairs in a certain
covalent compound?
A. Linear B. Planar C. Tetrahedral D. Trigonal

8. What shape is formed by a chemical compound with109.50 bond angle having

2 electron pairs and 2 lone pairs?
A. Bent B. Octahedral C. Tetrahedral D. Trigonal Planar
 9. What is the bond angle of an octahedral structure of a covalent compound?
A. 900 B. 109.50 C. 1200 D. 1800

10. Your teacher asked you to draw the Lewis structure of a trigonal planar
molecule, which of the following should have been drawn?

A. B. C. D.

11. Which of the following geometric shapes has one lone pair of electrons?
A. Octahedral B. Tetrahedral C. Trigonal Planar D. Trigonal Pyramidal

12. Which one CORRECTLY shows trigonal planar?

A. B. C. D.

13. Which of the figures in number 12 choices shows the molecular structure of
water, H2O?
14. Which one in number 12 choices has an angle of 120 0?
15. How will you draw the Lewis model of a molecule with a general formula of
AB3E? Select your answer from number 12 choices.

Wow!!! CONGRATULATIONS for giving your best and for accomplishing the
Learning Materials enjoyably!
 EXPLORE: ACTIVITY 1
1. F 6. B 11. D
2. B 7. A 12. C
3. C 8. A 13. D
4. G 9. C 14. A
5. A 10. D 15. B
Pre-Test
KEY ANSWER
1. A 6. C 11. D
2. C 7. A 12. B
3. D 8. A 13. A
4. B 9. A 14. B
5. C 10. B 15. C
Gauge
DEEPEN: ACTIVITY 2