Answer
Step-by-step explanation
In the Lewis Dot structure, S = N - A is used to calculate the total number of shared and unshared electrons in a molecule.
S represents the TOTAL number of valence shared electrons in a molecule to achieve an octet, N represents the sum of the number of valence electrons of all the atoms of the molecule, and A is the number of valence electrons in an electron pot.
For SiCl₄, the valence electron on each atom coming together to form the molecule is:
Valence electron on Si = 4
Valence Electron on Cl = 7
Total valence electron on SiCl₄ = 4 + (4 x 7) = 32
The least electronegative Si atom is placed at the center, and four Cl atoms are connected with a single bond.
A single bond takes up 2 valence electrons, so for four bonds, 8 valence electrons have been occupied, and we are left with 32 - 8 = 24 valence electrons.
Thus, in the Lewis Dot structure S = N - A , the TOTAL number of valence electrons in a molecule to achieve an octet of SiCl₄ to achieve an octet is