Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements correctly describes the Lewis dot structure of methanol (CH3OH)?
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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 SiCl_4 (silicon tetrachloride)?
A
Silicon is at the center with one double bond and three single bonds to chlorine atoms, and each chlorine has two lone pairs.
B
Silicon is at the center with four single bonds to chlorine atoms, and each chlorine has one lone pair.
C
Silicon is at the center with two double bonds to two chlorine atoms, and each chlorine has two lone pairs.
D
Silicon is at the center with four single bonds to chlorine atoms, and each chlorine has three lone pairs.
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in SiCl_4, which is silicon (Si), because it is less electronegative than chlorine (Cl) and can form multiple bonds.
Determine the total number of valence electrons: Silicon has 4 valence electrons, and each chlorine has 7 valence electrons. Since there are 4 chlorines, total valence electrons = 4 + (4 × 7) = 32 electrons.
Distribute electrons to form bonds: Connect silicon to each chlorine with a single bond. Each single bond consists of 2 electrons, so 4 single bonds use 8 electrons.
Assign remaining electrons as lone pairs: After bonding, distribute the remaining 24 electrons (32 - 8) as lone pairs on the chlorine atoms. Each chlorine atom will have 3 lone pairs (6 electrons) to complete its octet.
Verify the octet rule: Silicon has 8 electrons around it from the four single bonds, and each chlorine has 8 electrons (2 from the bond and 6 from lone pairs), satisfying the octet rule without the need for double bonds.
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