To create the lewis dot structure for hocl. We must calculuate the number of valence electrons. Hydrogen has 1 valence electron. Oxygen has 6 valence electrons. Chlorine has 7 valence electrons. These valence electrons add together for a total of 14 valence electrons. The Oxygen is placed in between the Hydrogen and the Chlorine. There are 8 valence electrons around the chlorine, two of which are shared with oxygen. There are 8 valence electrons around the oxygen, two shared with Hydrogen and 2 shared with chlorine, creating a total of the 14 valence electrons.