decide whether these proposed lewis structures are reasonable. proposed lewis structure: o≡c−h+ is the…
decide whether these proposed lewis structures are reasonable. proposed lewis structure: o≡c−h+ is the proposed lewis structure reasonable? yes. no, it has the wrong number of valence electrons. no, it has the right number of valence electrons but doesnt satisfy the octet rule. the correct number is: the symbols of the problem atoms are: *
Answer
Explanation:
Step1: Count valence - electrons
Carbon has 4 valence electrons, oxygen has 6 valence electrons and hydrogen has 1 valence electron. The overall charge is + 1. So the total number of valence electrons is (4 + 6+1-1=10). In the given Lewis - structure, the number of electrons shown as bonds and lone - pairs also accounts for 10 electrons.
Step2: Check octet rule
Carbon has a triple - bond with oxygen and a single - bond with hydrogen, giving it 8 electrons around it. Oxygen has a triple - bond with carbon and one lone - pair, giving it 8 electrons around it. Hydrogen has 2 electrons around it (satisfies the duet rule). But oxygen has a formal charge of (6-(2 + 3)=+1) and carbon has a formal charge of (4-(4 + 1)= - 1). A more stable structure would have the positive charge on the less electronegative atom (carbon) and negative charge on the more electronegative atom (oxygen). So, it does not satisfy the octet rule in the most stable way.