Table of contents

1. Intro to General Chemistry3h 48m
2. Atoms & Elements4h 16m
3. Chemical Reactions4h 10m
4. BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
5. BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions48m
6. Chemical Quantities & Aqueous Reactions3h 53m
7. Gases3h 49m
8. Thermochemistry2h 37m
9. Quantum Mechanics2h 58m
10. Periodic Properties of the Elements3h 9m
11. Bonding & Molecular Structure3h 29m
12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory1h 57m
13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces2h 23m
14. Solutions3h 1m
15. Chemical Kinetics2h 53m
16. Chemical Equilibrium2h 29m
17. Acid and Base Equilibrium5h 1m
18. Aqueous Equilibrium4h 47m
19. Chemical Thermodynamics1h 50m
20. Electrochemistry2h 42m
21. Nuclear Chemistry2h 36m
22. Organic Chemistry5h 7m
23. Chemistry of the Nonmetals2h 39m
24. Transition Metals and Coordination Compounds3h 16m

11. Bonding & Molecular Structure

Lewis Dot Structures: Neutral Compounds

General Chemistry

11. Bonding & Molecular Structure

Lewis Dot Structures: Neutral Compounds

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following statements correctly describes the Lewis dot structure of the neutral compound BH2Cl?

Boron is the central atom, bonded to two hydrogen atoms and one chlorine atom, with one lone pair on boron.

Chlorine is the central atom, bonded to two hydrogen atoms and one boron atom.

Boron is the central atom, bonded to two hydrogen atoms and one chlorine atom, with no lone pairs on boron.

Boron is the central atom, bonded to three hydrogen atoms and one chlorine atom.

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Verified step by step guidance

Identify the central atom by considering the element that can form the most bonds and is least electronegative. In BH2Cl, boron (B) is less electronegative than chlorine (Cl) and hydrogen (H), so boron is the central atom.

Determine the total number of valence electrons available for bonding. Boron has 3 valence electrons, each hydrogen has 1, and chlorine has 7, so total valence electrons = 3 + (2 × 1) + 7 = 12 electrons.

Arrange the atoms with boron in the center bonded to two hydrogens and one chlorine atom. Each bond represents 2 electrons, so three bonds use 6 electrons.

Distribute the remaining electrons to satisfy the octet rule where possible. Chlorine, being more electronegative, will have three lone pairs (6 electrons) to complete its octet, while boron will have no lone pairs and only 6 electrons around it, which is acceptable for boron.

Confirm that the Lewis structure shows boron bonded to two hydrogens and one chlorine atom, with no lone pairs on boron, and chlorine having three lone pairs, matching the correct description.