Question

Draw the correct lewis structure for cl2co is (the 2 cl's and the o are bound to the c and not to each other):

Answer 1

The correct Lewis structure for Cl2CO features carbon as the central atom with two single bonds to chlorine atoms and a double bond to oxygen. Each chlorine atom has three lone pairs, and the oxygen atom has two lone pairs.

Step-by-step explanation:

To draw the Lewis structure for Cl2CO, start with the central atom, which is Carbon (C). Carbon has four valence electrons and forms four bonds. Since there are two chlorines (Cl) and one oxygen (O) bonded to carbon, we will see that each Cl will form a single bond with the carbon, and the oxygen will form a double bond with carbon to fulfill the octet rule. Here's the step-by-step process:

1. 
   
3. Carbon is the central atom with four valence electrons.
4. 
   
6. Each chlorine atom has seven valence electrons, making a single bond with carbon and having three lone pairs remaining on each.
7. 
   
9. Oxygen has six valence electrons, forming a double bond with carbon, and will have two lone pairs remaining.
10. 
    
12. Ensure each atom has a complete octet (eight electrons around it).
13. 
    
15. Count all valence electrons: C (4) + Cl (7×2) + O (6) = 24 valence electrons.
16. 
    
18. Place lone pairs on chlorine and oxygen to complete their octets.
19. 
    
21. Final structure should show carbon in the center, with a single bond to each chlorine and a double bond to oxygen.

When these steps are followed, the Cl2CO molecule will have the Lewis structure with carbon in the middle, two single bonds to two separate chlorines, and a double bond to oxygen, each chlorine with three lone pairs and oxygen with two lone pairs.