Multiple Choice
Which of the following is a valid Lewis dot structure for the neutral compound ozone (O_3)?
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11. Bonding & Molecular Structure
Lewis Dot Structures: Neutral Compounds
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Which of the following Lewis structures correctly represents formaldehyde (CH2O)?
A
The central carbon atom is single-bonded to oxygen and single-bonded to each hydrogen; oxygen has two lone pairs.
B
The central carbon atom is triple-bonded to oxygen and single-bonded to each hydrogen; oxygen has one lone pair.
C
The central carbon atom is double-bonded to oxygen and double-bonded to one hydrogen; oxygen has three lone pairs.
D
The central carbon atom is double-bonded to oxygen and single-bonded to each hydrogen; all atoms have complete octets except hydrogen.
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that formaldehyde (CH2O) consists of one carbon (C), two hydrogens (H), and one oxygen (O) atom. Carbon is the central atom because it can form four bonds.
Determine the total number of valence electrons: Carbon has 4, each hydrogen has 1 (total 2), and oxygen has 6, so total valence electrons = 4 + 2(1) + 6 = 12 electrons.
Arrange the atoms with carbon in the center, single-bonded to each hydrogen, and bonded to oxygen. Then distribute the electrons to satisfy the octet rule for carbon and oxygen, and duet rule for hydrogen.
Check the bonding: Carbon forms a double bond with oxygen to complete its octet (4 bonds total: 2 single bonds to hydrogens and 1 double bond to oxygen). Oxygen has two lone pairs to complete its octet.
Verify that all atoms have complete octets (or duets for hydrogen) and that the total number of electrons used matches the total valence electrons calculated initially.
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