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Ch.9 - Chemical Bonding I: The Lewis Model
Chapter 9, Problem 59

Write the Lewis structure for each molecule or ion. a. CI4 b. N2O c. SiH4 d. Cl2CO

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1
Identify the total number of valence electrons for each molecule or ion. For example, CI_4 has 4 valence electrons from carbon and 7 from each iodine, totaling 32 electrons.
Arrange the atoms with the least electronegative atom in the center, except for hydrogen. For CI_4, carbon is the central atom.
Connect the central atom to surrounding atoms using single bonds. Each bond represents 2 electrons. For CI_4, connect carbon to each iodine with a single bond.
Distribute the remaining electrons to satisfy the octet rule for each atom, starting with the outer atoms. For CI_4, place remaining electrons around iodine atoms to complete their octets.
Check if the central atom has a complete octet. If not, consider forming double or triple bonds if necessary. For CI_4, carbon already has a complete octet with single bonds.

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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 valence electrons and lines to represent bonds between atoms. Understanding how to draw Lewis structures is essential for visualizing molecular geometry and predicting the behavior of molecules in chemical reactions.
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Valence Electrons

Valence electrons are the outermost electrons of an atom and are crucial in determining how an atom will bond with others. The number of valence electrons influences the atom's reactivity and the types of bonds it can form. For example, carbon has four valence electrons, allowing it to form four covalent bonds, which is fundamental in organic chemistry.
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Molecular Geometry

Molecular geometry refers to the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms within a molecule. It is influenced by the number of bonds and lone pairs around the central atom, which can affect the molecule's physical and chemical properties. Understanding molecular geometry helps predict the shape of molecules, which is important for understanding reactivity and interactions in chemical processes.
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