Question

how to make lewis structures with multiple atoms.I just want u to explain some examples of how u do lewis structures with multiple atoms like HCN or C2H5OH

Answer 1

-How to draw Lewis structures with multiple atoms. For example HCN.

Step 1: Find the Total Number of Valence Electrons.

Hydrogen valence electron (VE) = 1

Carbon VE = 4

Nitrogen VE = 5

Step 2: Find the Number of Electrons Needed to Make the Atoms stable.

The valence electrons should be 8 for each atom for it to be stable, for hydrogen, it needs 2 valence electrons to be stable because it only has one inner shell.

Step 3: Determine the Number of Bonds in the Molecule.

H will bond with C to be stable, now H will have two outer electrons, meaning it will be stable, but C will not, it will be sharing one of its electrons with H, it needs 3 more electrons. It will then bond with N, and share its 3 electrons, now the C has 8 outer electrons and it is stable. Since N had 5 valence electrons, then it shares 3 with C, it is also stable after bond formation.

Step 4: Choose a Central Atom, and draw the structure

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Example 2: C2H5OH

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So for CH3OCH3 for example, you CANNOT draw this structure like this:

Because it was NOT given to you like that, instead start with CH3- then -O- then -CH3. Draw it exactly as it is given to you. Your oxygen should be in the middle and 2 methyl's on the sides.