Question

For the chemical: NH₂CO₂H, where N is bound to C and the 2 H's (H₂N-C), each is bound to C and the final H is on an O (O-H), create a Lewis structure. Which of the following is a correct description of the O without the H attached

a. Three single bonds and one pair (two dots) of electrons
b. Two single bonds and two pairs (four dots) of electrons
c. One double bond and two pairs (four dots) of electrons
d. One single bond and three pairs (six dots) of electrons
e. One single bondynd one triple bond

Answer 1

The correct Lewis structure description for the oxygen atom in NH₂CO₂H without the attached hydrogen is (c) which states it has one double bond and two pairs (four dots) of electrons.

Step-by-step explanation:

To create a Lewis structure for the chemical NH₂CO₂H, let's focus on the description of the oxygen without the hydrogen attached, as part of the carbonyl group in the molecule. This oxygen will have two lone pairs of electrons (four dots) and will form a double bond with the carbon. Therefore, the correct description for this oxygen atom is (c) one double bond and two pairs (four dots) of electrons.

In a complete Lewis structure, the nitrogen (N) will have three single bonds connecting to hydrogen atoms and the carbon atom. The carbon in the carbonyl group (C=O) will have a double bond to the oxygen without the hydrogen, and a single bond to the other oxygen which has the hydrogen attached (OH). This second oxygen will have two lone pairs of electrons. This illustrates that the carbon and oxygen fulfill their valences by sharing electrons to form stable covalent bonds.