Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct Lewis dot structure for sulfur trioxide (SO_3), a neutral compound?
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11. Bonding & Molecular Structure
Lewis Dot Structures: Neutral Compounds
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In the Lewis dot structure of the neutral compound CH2O (formaldehyde), how many lone pairs of electrons are present on the central atom?
A
1
B
2
C
0
D
3
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in the molecule CH2O. Typically, the central atom is the one that can form the most bonds and is less electronegative. In formaldehyde, carbon (C) is the central atom.
Determine the total number of valence electrons for the central atom. Carbon has 4 valence electrons.
Draw the Lewis structure by connecting the central carbon atom to the other atoms (2 hydrogens and 1 oxygen) with single bonds initially, then adjust to satisfy the octet rule. Oxygen typically forms two bonds and has lone pairs.
Count the electrons around the central carbon atom after bonding. Since carbon forms four bonds (two with hydrogen and a double bond with oxygen), all its valence electrons are involved in bonding.
Conclude that because all valence electrons of carbon are used in bonding, there are no lone pairs of electrons on the central carbon atom.
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