Write the Lewis structure for each molecule or ion. a. H₃COCH₃

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the total number of valence electrons in the molecule. Carbon (C) has 4 valence electrons, oxygen (O) has 6, and hydrogen (H) has 1. Calculate the total for \( \text{H}_3\text{COCH}_3 \).
2. Determine the central atom. In this case, carbon is typically the central atom because it can form four bonds.
3. Arrange the atoms with carbon in the center and connect the atoms with single bonds. Place the oxygen atom between the two carbon atoms, and attach the hydrogen atoms to the carbons.
4. Distribute the remaining valence electrons to satisfy the octet rule for each atom, starting with the outer atoms (oxygen and hydrogens) and then the central carbon atoms.
5. Check that all atoms have a complete octet (or duet for hydrogen) and that the total number of electrons used equals the total number of valence electrons calculated in step 1.

Key Concepts

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 indicate bonds between atoms. Understanding how to draw Lewis structures is essential for visualizing molecular geometry and predicting the behavior of molecules in chemical reactions.

Valence Electrons

Valence electrons are the outermost electrons of an atom and are crucial in determining how atoms bond with each other. The number of valence electrons influences the atom's reactivity and the types of bonds it can form. In the case of H3COCH3, recognizing the valence electrons of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen is necessary for constructing the correct Lewis structure.

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 in predicting the shape of H3COCH3 and its reactivity, as well as its interactions with other molecules.