Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements correctly describes the Lewis dot structure of the neutral compound fulminic acid (HCNO)?
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11. Bonding & Molecular Structure
Lewis Dot Structures: Neutral Compounds
Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements correctly describes the Lewis dot structure of the neutral compound PF2Cl3?
A
Phosphorus is the central atom, surrounded by two fluorine atoms and three chlorine atoms, with one lone pair on phosphorus.
B
Phosphorus is the central atom, surrounded by five chlorine atoms, with no fluorine atoms present.
C
Phosphorus is the central atom, surrounded by three fluorine atoms and two chlorine atoms, with one lone pair on phosphorus.
D
Phosphorus is the central atom, surrounded by two fluorine atoms and three chlorine atoms, with no lone pairs on phosphorus.
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in the molecule PF2Cl3. Typically, the least electronegative atom (other than hydrogen) is the central atom. Here, phosphorus (P) is less electronegative than fluorine (F) and chlorine (Cl), so phosphorus is the central atom.
Determine the number and types of atoms bonded to the central atom. The formula PF2Cl3 indicates phosphorus is bonded to 2 fluorine atoms and 3 chlorine atoms.
Calculate the total number of valence electrons available for bonding. Phosphorus has 5 valence electrons, each fluorine has 7, and each chlorine has 7. Sum these to find the total valence electrons for the molecule.
Distribute the valence electrons to form bonds between phosphorus and the surrounding atoms. Each bond (single bond) consists of 2 electrons. Assign electrons to satisfy the octet rule for the surrounding atoms first (fluorine and chlorine), then check the electrons left on phosphorus.
Check the formal charge and lone pairs on phosphorus. After bonding with 5 atoms (2 F and 3 Cl), phosphorus typically has no lone pairs in this structure, as it uses all its valence electrons to form bonds. Confirm that the Lewis structure matches the description: phosphorus central atom, bonded to 2 fluorines and 3 chlorines, with no lone pairs on phosphorus.
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