What are the steps to write Lewis dot structure?

1.	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 \(SO_4^{2-}\) ion, ‘S’ is the central atom and in \(NO^-_3\), ‘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.

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 \(SO_4^{2-}\) ion, ‘S’ is the central atom and in \(NO^-_3\), ‘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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