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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the best Lewis dot structure for the neutral molecule BrF?
A
Br with one lone pair, triple bond to F (which has one lone pair)
B
Br with three lone pairs, single bond to F (which has three lone pairs)
C
Br with two lone pairs, double bond to F (which has two lone pairs)
D
Br with four lone pairs, single bond to F (which has two lone pairs)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Determine the total number of valence electrons for the molecule BrF. Bromine (Br) is in group 17 and has 7 valence electrons, and fluorine (F) is also in group 17 with 7 valence electrons. So, total valence electrons = 7 (Br) + 7 (F) = 14 electrons.
Step 2: Draw a skeleton structure with Br and F connected by a single bond. A single bond represents 2 electrons shared between the atoms.
Step 3: Distribute the remaining electrons as lone pairs to satisfy the octet rule for each atom. After the single bond, subtract 2 electrons from the total 14, leaving 12 electrons to be placed as lone pairs.
Step 4: Assign lone pairs to fluorine first to complete its octet (fluorine typically has three lone pairs), then assign the remaining lone pairs to bromine. Count the lone pairs on each atom to ensure both have a full octet (8 electrons total including bonding electrons).
Step 5: Verify the Lewis structure by checking that the total number of electrons used (bonding + lone pairs) equals 14, and that both atoms have a complete octet. This confirms the best Lewis dot structure for BrF.