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 POCl_3?

Oxygen is the central atom, bonded to one phosphorus atom and three chlorine atoms.

Phosphorus is the central atom, bonded to one oxygen atom (with a double bond) and three chlorine atoms (with single bonds); all atoms have complete octets.

Phosphorus is the central atom, bonded to four chlorine atoms and no oxygen atom.

Phosphorus is the central atom, bonded to one oxygen atom (with a single bond) and three chlorine atoms (with single bonds); all atoms have incomplete octets.

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Verified step by step guidance

Identify the central atom in POCl_3 by considering the typical bonding patterns and electronegativities. Phosphorus (P) is less electronegative than oxygen (O) and chlorine (Cl), so it usually serves as the central atom in such compounds.

Determine the number of valence electrons for each atom: Phosphorus has 5, oxygen has 6, and chlorine has 7 valence electrons each. Calculate the total valence electrons available for bonding in POCl_3.

Arrange the atoms with phosphorus in the center, bonded to one oxygen atom and three chlorine atoms. Connect these atoms with single bonds initially, then distribute the remaining electrons to satisfy the octet rule for each atom.

Check if all atoms have complete octets. Since oxygen often forms a double bond to fulfill its octet, consider converting one of the phosphorus-chlorine single bonds or the phosphorus-oxygen single bond into a double bond to complete octets properly.

Confirm the final Lewis structure: phosphorus as the central atom bonded to one oxygen atom with a double bond and three chlorine atoms with single bonds, ensuring all atoms have complete octets.