Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the Lewis dot structure of a neutral H2O molecule, including nonbonding electron pairs on the oxygen atom?
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11. Bonding & Molecular Structure
Lewis Dot Structures: Neutral Compounds
Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the Lewis dot structure of neutral NBr3?
A
Nitrogen is at the center with three single bonds to bromine atoms and one lone pair on nitrogen.
B
Nitrogen is at the center with three double bonds to bromine atoms and no lone pairs on nitrogen.
C
Nitrogen is at the center with three single bonds to bromine atoms and one lone pair on each bromine atom.
D
Nitrogen is at the center with three single bonds to bromine atoms and no lone pairs on nitrogen.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Determine the total number of valence electrons for the molecule NBr3. Nitrogen (N) has 5 valence electrons, and each bromine (Br) atom has 7 valence electrons. Since there are three bromine atoms, calculate the total valence electrons as: \(5 + 3 \times 7\).
Step 2: Place nitrogen as the central atom because it is less electronegative than bromine and can form multiple bonds. Connect each bromine atom to nitrogen with a single bond initially. Each single bond represents 2 electrons.
Step 3: Distribute the remaining valence electrons to satisfy the octet rule for the bromine atoms first. Each bromine needs 8 electrons around it (including bonding electrons). Add lone pairs to bromine atoms as needed.
Step 4: After satisfying bromine atoms, place any leftover electrons on the nitrogen atom as lone pairs. Check if nitrogen has a complete octet (8 electrons total, counting bonding and lone pairs).
Step 5: Confirm the Lewis structure by verifying that the total number of electrons used equals the total valence electrons calculated in Step 1, and that all atoms have a full octet where applicable.
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