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Multiple Choice
In the Lewis dot structure of the neutral compound ClO_2, how many unshared (non-bonding) electrons are present in total?
A
16
B
12
C
14
D
10
Verified step by step guidance
1
Determine the total number of valence electrons for the ClO_2 molecule. Chlorine (Cl) has 7 valence electrons, and each oxygen (O) has 6 valence electrons. Since there are two oxygens, calculate the total as: $7 + 2 \times 6$.
Draw a skeletal structure for ClO_2, placing chlorine as the central atom bonded to the two oxygen atoms with single bonds initially.
Distribute the remaining valence electrons around the atoms to satisfy the octet rule, starting by completing the octets of the oxygen atoms with lone pairs (non-bonding electrons).
If necessary, form double bonds between chlorine and oxygen atoms to ensure that the total number of electrons matches the total valence electrons and that the octet rule is satisfied as much as possible.
Count all the lone pairs (non-bonding electrons) on all atoms in the final Lewis structure. Each lone pair consists of 2 electrons, so multiply the number of lone pairs by 2 to find the total number of unshared electrons.