SAMPLE PROBLEM 10.1
Writing Lewis Structures for Molecules with One Central Atom
SOLUTION:
Step 1: Carbon has the lowest EN and is the central atom.
The four remaining atoms are placed around it.
C
Steps 2-4:
C has 4 valence e-, Cl and F each have 7. The
sum is 4 + 4(7) = 32 valence e-.
Cl
Cl
F
F
Make bonds and fill in the remaining valence
electrons, placing 8e- around each atom.
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