Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the Lewis dot structure of a neutral PCl_3 molecule?
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11. Bonding & Molecular Structure
Lewis Dot Structures: Neutral Compounds
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Which of the following statements correctly describes the Lewis dot structure of carbon tetrachloride (CCl_4)?
A
The central carbon atom forms four single bonds with four chlorine atoms, and each chlorine atom has one lone pair.
B
The central carbon atom forms four single bonds with four chlorine atoms, and each chlorine atom has three lone pairs.
C
The central carbon atom forms one triple bond with one chlorine atom and three single bonds with the other chlorine atoms.
D
The central carbon atom forms two double bonds with two chlorine atoms, and each chlorine atom has two lone pairs.
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that a Lewis dot structure represents the valence electrons of atoms and how they are shared or paired in bonds.
Identify the valence electrons for each atom: carbon has 4 valence electrons, and chlorine has 7 valence electrons each.
Determine the bonding pattern: carbon typically forms four single covalent bonds to complete its octet, especially with halogens like chlorine.
For each chlorine atom, after forming a single bond with carbon, assign the remaining valence electrons as lone pairs to complete chlorine's octet. Since chlorine has 7 valence electrons and uses 1 for bonding, it should have 3 lone pairs.
Verify the octet rule for all atoms: carbon should have 8 electrons shared in bonds (4 single bonds), and each chlorine should have 8 electrons total (1 bonding pair + 3 lone pairs).
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