Question
What are the steps to write Lewis dot structure?

Answer

Steps to write Lewis dot structures:
  • Add the total number of valence electrons of combining atoms in the molecule.
  • In anions, add one electron for each negative charge.
  • In cations, subtract one electron from valence electrons for each positive charge.
  • Write skeletal structure of the molecule to show the atoms and number of valence electrons forming the single bond between the atoms.
  • Add remaining electron pairs to complete the octet of each atom.
  • If octet is not complete form multiple bonds between the atoms such that octet of each atom is complete.
  • In polyatomic atoms and ions, the least electronegative atom is the central atom. e.g. In $\mathrm{SO}_4^{2-}$ ion, ' $\mathrm{S}$ ' is the central atom and in $\mathrm{NO}_3^{-}$, ' $\mathrm{N}$ ' is the central atom.
  • After writing the number of electrons as shared pairs forming single bonds, the remaining electron pairs are used either for multiple bonds or they remain as lone pairs.

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