Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the Lewis dot structure for the neutral molecule C2?
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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 for the neutral compound CF_4?
A
Carbon is at the center with four single bonds to four fluorine atoms; each fluorine has three lone pairs.
B
Carbon is at the center with one double bond and three single bonds to fluorine atoms; each fluorine has three lone pairs.
C
Carbon is at the center with four single bonds to four fluorine atoms; each fluorine has two lone pairs.
D
Carbon is at the center with two double bonds to two fluorine atoms; each fluorine has two lone pairs.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Determine the total number of valence electrons available for the molecule CF_4. Carbon has 4 valence electrons, and each fluorine atom has 7 valence electrons. Since there are 4 fluorine atoms, calculate the total valence electrons as \(4 + 4 \times 7\).
Step 2: Identify the central atom, which is usually the least electronegative element. In CF_4, carbon is less electronegative than fluorine, so place carbon at the center and arrange the four fluorine atoms around it.
Step 3: Form single bonds between the central carbon atom and each fluorine atom. Each single bond consists of 2 electrons, so subtract these bonding electrons from the total valence electrons calculated in Step 1.
Step 4: Distribute the remaining valence electrons as lone pairs on the fluorine atoms to complete their octets. Remember that each fluorine atom needs 8 electrons total (including bonding electrons) to satisfy the octet rule.
Step 5: Verify that the carbon atom also has a complete octet by counting the electrons around it (from the four single bonds). Confirm that the structure has no formal charges and that all atoms satisfy the octet rule.
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