Table of contents

1. Intro to General Chemistry3h 48m
2. Atoms & Elements4h 16m
3. Chemical Reactions4h 10m
4. BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
5. BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions48m
6. Chemical Quantities & Aqueous Reactions3h 53m
7. Gases3h 49m
8. Thermochemistry2h 37m
9. Quantum Mechanics2h 58m
10. Periodic Properties of the Elements3h 9m
11. Bonding & Molecular Structure3h 29m
12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory1h 57m
13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces2h 23m
14. Solutions3h 1m
15. Chemical Kinetics2h 53m
16. Chemical Equilibrium2h 29m
17. Acid and Base Equilibrium5h 1m
18. Aqueous Equilibrium4h 47m
19. Chemical Thermodynamics1h 50m
20. Electrochemistry2h 42m
21. Nuclear Chemistry2h 36m
22. Organic Chemistry5h 7m
23. Chemistry of the Nonmetals2h 39m
24. Transition Metals and Coordination Compounds3h 16m

11. Bonding & Molecular Structure

Lewis Dot Structures: Neutral Compounds

General Chemistry

11. Bonding & Molecular Structure

Lewis Dot Structures: Neutral Compounds

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following is the best Lewis dot structure for the neutral compound CH2Cl2?

A central carbon atom single-bonded to two hydrogen atoms and two chlorine atoms, with each chlorine atom having two lone pairs.

A central carbon atom single-bonded to two hydrogen atoms and two chlorine atoms, with each chlorine atom having three lone pairs.

A central carbon atom single-bonded to four chlorine atoms, with each chlorine atom having three lone pairs.

A central carbon atom double-bonded to one chlorine atom, single-bonded to two hydrogen atoms and one chlorine atom, with each chlorine atom having two lone pairs.

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Verified step by step guidance

Identify the total number of valence electrons available for the molecule CH2Cl2. Carbon has 4 valence electrons, each hydrogen has 1, and each chlorine has 7. Calculate the sum: $4 + 2 \times 1 + 2 \times 7$.

Determine the central atom, which is typically the least electronegative element that can form multiple bonds. In CH2Cl2, carbon is the central atom.

Draw single bonds between the central carbon atom and each of the surrounding atoms (2 hydrogens and 2 chlorines). Each single bond represents 2 electrons.

Distribute the remaining valence electrons as lone pairs to satisfy the octet rule for the outer atoms (chlorines) and the central atom (carbon). Remember that hydrogen only needs 2 electrons to be stable.

Check that the total number of electrons used in bonds and lone pairs equals the total valence electrons calculated initially, and verify that carbon has a complete octet (8 electrons) and each chlorine has three lone pairs (6 electrons) plus the bonding pair.