Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the Lewis dot structure of XeBr2Cl2?
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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 the neutral compound C3H8O (propanol)?
A
The oxygen atom forms three single bonds and has one lone pair.
B
All carbon atoms are bonded to four other atoms, and the oxygen atom has two lone pairs.
C
The molecule contains a carbon-carbon triple bond.
D
One carbon atom is double-bonded to the oxygen atom.
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the molecular formula C3H8O as propanol, an alcohol with three carbon atoms, eight hydrogen atoms, and one oxygen atom.
Recall that in a Lewis structure, carbon atoms typically form four bonds to satisfy the octet rule, oxygen typically forms two bonds and has two lone pairs, and hydrogen forms one bond.
Analyze the given options: the oxygen atom forming three single bonds and one lone pair would exceed oxygen's typical valence of two bonds; a carbon-carbon triple bond is unlikely in propanol, which is an alcohol with single bonds; a carbon double-bonded to oxygen suggests a carbonyl group, which is not present in propanol.
Conclude that the correct Lewis structure has all carbon atoms bonded to four other atoms (either carbon or hydrogen), and the oxygen atom bonded to one carbon and one hydrogen, with two lone pairs on oxygen to complete its octet.
Summarize that the correct description is: all carbon atoms are bonded to four other atoms, and the oxygen atom has two lone pairs.
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