The cyanate ion (OCN-) and the fulminate ion (CNO-) share the same three atoms but have vastly different properties. The cyanate ion is stable, while the fulminate ion is unstable and forms explosive compounds. The resonance structures of the cyanate ion are explored in Example 9.8. Draw Lewis structures for the fulminate ion—including possible resonance forms— and use formal charge to explain why the fulminate ion is less stable (and therefore more reactive) than the cyanate ion.
Ch.9 - Chemical Bonding I: The Lewis Model
Chapter 9, Problem 98c
Draw the Lewis structure for each organic compound from its condensed structural formula. c. CH3COCH3

1
Identify the central atoms in the compound. In CH$_3$COCH$_3$, the central atoms are the carbon atoms.
Determine the connectivity of the atoms. The structure is CH$_3$-C(=O)-CH$_3$, where the middle carbon is double-bonded to an oxygen.
Draw the carbon skeleton. Connect the carbon atoms in a chain: C-C-C.
Add the oxygen atom. Attach the oxygen to the middle carbon with a double bond: C(=O).
Complete the structure by adding hydrogen atoms. Each terminal carbon (CH$_3$) is bonded to three hydrogen atoms.

Verified Solution
Video duration:
59s
Was this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Lewis Structures
Lewis structures are diagrams that represent the bonding between atoms in a molecule and the lone pairs of electrons that may exist. They use dots to represent electrons and lines to represent bonds between atoms. Understanding how to draw Lewis structures is essential for visualizing molecular geometry and predicting reactivity.
Recommended video:
Guided course
Lewis Dot Structures: Ions
Condensed Structural Formula
A condensed structural formula provides a shorthand way of representing the structure of a molecule, showing how atoms are connected without depicting all the bonds explicitly. For example, in CH3COCH3, the formula indicates that there are two methyl groups (CH3) attached to a carbonyl group (C=O), which is crucial for understanding the molecular structure before drawing the Lewis structure.
Recommended video:
Guided course
Condensed Formula
Functional Groups
Functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules. In the case of CH3COCH3, the carbonyl group (C=O) is a functional group that defines the compound as a ketone, influencing its chemical behavior and properties. Recognizing functional groups is vital for predicting reactivity and understanding organic chemistry.
Recommended video:
Guided course
Carbonyl Functional Groups
Related Practice
Textbook Question
2691
views
Textbook Question
Draw the Lewis structure for each organic compound from its condensed structural formula. a. C3H8 d. CH3COOH
Textbook Question
Draw the Lewis structure for each organic compound from its condensed structural formula. b. CH3OCH3
558
views
Textbook Question
Draw the Lewis structure for each organic compound from its condensed structural formula. e. CH3CHO
879
views
Open Question
Draw the Lewis structure for each organic compound from its condensed structural formula. a. C2H4 b. CH3NH2 c. HCHO d. CH3CH2OH e. HCOOH
Textbook Question
Use Lewis structures to explain why Br3- and I3- are stable, while F3- is not.
825
views