Lewis structures

Lewis structures are representations of molecules showing all electrons, bonding and nonbonding.

Rules for writing Lewis structures Find the sum of valence electrons of all atoms in the molecule or polyatomic ion. Divide that number by two to get the number of electron pairs. The central atom is the least electronegative element that isnt hydrogen. Connect the outer atoms to it by single bonds (e pairs). Divide the remaining pairs equally over the outer atoms.

PCl3
5 + 3(7) = 26 = 13 pairs

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Lewis structures

Place the remaining e-pairs on the central atom Check for the octet rule, and make double or triple bonds if necessary. More examples :

NH4+ CO32HCN SO3

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Learning check
Draw Lewis structures for the following

CO2 NH3

ClO4SO32-

HClO4 H2SO3 H3PO4

N2 O3

HClO2 HNO3

HCNO

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Formal charges
For each atom, count the electrons in lone pairs and half the electrons it shares with other atoms. Subtract that from the number of valence electrons for that atom: The difference is its formal charge.

The best Lewis structure is the one with the fewest charges. puts a negative charge on the most electronegative atom.

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Resonance
What is the Lewis structure of ozone? The terminal oxygens should have formal charges of -1 and 0 The single bond should be longer than the double bond but this is at odds with the observed structure of ozone, in which both bonds are of the same length. both outer oxygens have a charge of -1/2.

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Resonance
One Lewis structure cannot accurately depict a molecule such as ozone. We use multiple structures, resonance structures, to describe the molecule.

Just as green is a synthesis of blue and yellow

ozone is a synthesis of these two resonance structures.

10 February 2013

Resonance
In truth, the electrons that form the second CO bond in the double bonds below do not always sit between that C and that O, but rather can move among the two oxygens and the carbon. They are not localized, but rather are delocalized.

The organic compound benzene, C6H6, has two resonance structures. It is commonly depicted as a hexagon with a circle inside to signify the delocalized electrons in the ring.
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Exceptions to the octet rule

There are three types of ions or molecules that do not follow the octet rule: Ions or molecules with an odd number of electrons. Though relatively rare and usually quite unstable and reactive, there are ions and molecules with an odd number of electrons. Ions or molecules with less than an octet. Also rare. Hydrogen, Helium, Boron, Beryllium NO O2 -

NO2 ClO2

Non favorable Structures !!

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Exceptions to the octet rule

Ions or molecules with more than eight valence electrons (an expanded octet). The only way PCl5 can exist is if phosphorus has 10 electrons around it. It is allowed to expand the octet of atoms on the 3rd row or below. Presumably d orbitals in these atoms participate in bonding. Another example: PO43-

10 February 2013

Learning check
Draw resonance structures where appropriate, label any formal charges, and rank the resonance structures in order of importance to overall structure.

ClO4-

IO3-

SCN -

CS2

HCO3-

SO42-

SNF3

PF3

S2CO2-

10 February 2013