Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the Lewis dot structure of the neutral compound SiH_4?
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11. Bonding & Molecular Structure
Lewis Dot Structures: Neutral Compounds
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Which of the following statements correctly describes the Lewis dot structure of the neutral compound SiF_4?
A
Si is at the center with two double bonds to two F atoms, and each F atom has two lone pairs.
B
Si is at the center with four single bonds to four F atoms, and each F atom has two lone pairs.
C
Si is at the center with one double bond to one F atom and three single bonds to the other F atoms.
D
Si is at the center with four single bonds to four F atoms, and each F atom has three lone pairs.
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in the molecule SiF_4, which is silicon (Si), because it is less electronegative than fluorine (F) and can form multiple bonds.
Determine the total number of valence electrons available: Si has 4 valence electrons, and each F atom has 7 valence electrons, so total valence electrons = 4 + (4 × 7) = 32 electrons.
Distribute electrons to form bonds: place single bonds between Si and each F atom, using 2 electrons per bond, which accounts for 8 electrons total.
Assign the remaining electrons as lone pairs to the fluorine atoms to complete their octets. Each F atom needs 6 more electrons (3 lone pairs) to reach 8 electrons total.
Verify that the central Si atom has a complete octet by counting the bonding electrons (4 single bonds × 2 electrons each = 8 electrons) and confirm that the structure is neutral and follows the octet rule.
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