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Lesson-5-Lewis-Structure-of-Molecular-Covalent-Compounds

The document outlines the principles of drawing Lewis structures for molecular covalent compounds, emphasizing the role of valence electrons and the octet rule. It provides step-by-step instructions for constructing Lewis structures, including examples like methane and water, and discusses exceptions to the octet rule. Additionally, it lists diatomic molecules that naturally occur in pairs.

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2 views

Lesson-5-Lewis-Structure-of-Molecular-Covalent-Compounds

The document outlines the principles of drawing Lewis structures for molecular covalent compounds, emphasizing the role of valence electrons and the octet rule. It provides step-by-step instructions for constructing Lewis structures, including examples like methane and water, and discusses exceptions to the octet rule. Additionally, it lists diatomic molecules that naturally occur in pairs.

Uploaded by

ilyailliiia0
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Lewis Structure of Molecular Covalent Compounds

Lewis Structure Assumptions


• Only valence electrons are involved in bonding.
• Atoms in molecules need eight valance electrons (octet rule) except for hydrogen which needs two electrons
(duet rule).
• In covalent compounds atoms share electrons to form bonds in order to achieve stable noble gas electron
configurations.
• In ionic compounds electrons are transferred from one atom to another to achieve stable noble gas electron
configurations
Types of bond based on the Number of Shared Electron Pairs
Single bond = 2 electrons to each atom
Double bond = 4 electrons to each atom
Triple Bond = 6 electrons to each atom
Quadruple Bond = 8 electrons to each atom
Quadruple bonds only exist between transition metals, such as rhenium, molybdenum, chromium, and
tungsten, due to the availability of d-orbitals that enable unique bonding interactions
Rules for Drawing Lewis Structures
Step 1: Count the total number of valance electrons.
Step 2: Identify the central atom (the first atom written unless that atom is hydrogen).
Place all terminal atoms around that atom.
Hydrogen atoms NEVER have more than one bond.
Step 3: Complete the octet for all atoms in the Lewis structure with lone pairs of electrons (except hydrogen).
Step 4: Check your structure by counting the number of valance electrons used (they will match step 1 if the
structure is correct).
If your valance electrons don’t match you will need to tweak your structure.
Example 1: Methane (CH4)
Step 1
Count the number of valence electrons
C = 4 valence electrons
H = 1 valence electron
Step 2
Identify the central atom. This is usually the first atom written. Exception: Hydrogen. If that is the first atom
written, then use the second atom.
Central atom: C
Step 3: Complete the octet
Draw each component as a (Lewis) dot diagram.
Step 4: Check your structure
Check your structure by counting the number of valance electrons used
Remember: Hydrogen is the exception to the octet rule. It only needs 2 electrons to be happy.
• Make sure that each atom in your new Lewis dot structure “feels” like it has eight electrons around it.
Remember: One bond “feels” like two electrons to EACH element it borders.

•
Example 2: Water (H₂O)
1. Valence electrons:
Oxygen: 6, Hydrogen: 1 each → Total = 8
2. Central atom: Oxygen (less electronegative than hydrogen)
3. Single bonds: Connect H to O with single bonds
4. Distribute remaining electrons: Place 4 more electrons as lone pairs on oxygen

• “ Exceptions” to the Octet


• If you only have four or six valance electrons initially you can’t possibly fill the octet rule (usually BeH 2 or BH3).
• Just place hydrogens around central atoms and call it done.

BeH2 BH3

Exceptions to the Octet Rule (That are not H)


• There are two other exceptions to the Octet Rule (that are not Hydrogen)
• Examples:

PF5 SF6
Exceptions usually involve F

Diatomic Molecules
In nature, the following elements are always found in a paired molecule.
They are never found solo.
• I2
• Br2
• Cl2
• F2
• O2
• N2
• H2
• I Bring Clay For Our New House

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