7. which of the following is the correct lewis diagram for ch₃n?
7. which of the following is the correct lewis diagram for ch₃n?
Answer
Explanation:
Step1: Determine valence electrons
Carbon has 4 valence electrons, hydrogen has 1 valence electron, and nitrogen has 5 valence electrons. For $CH_3N$, the total number of valence electrons is $4+(3\times1)+5 = 12$ valence electrons.
Step2: Arrange atoms
The central - atom arrangement is usually the least - electronegative atom. Carbon is less electronegative than nitrogen. So, carbon is the central atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms and nitrogen.
Step3: Distribute electrons
Connect the atoms with single bonds first. Each single bond uses 2 electrons. Three C - H bonds and one C - N bond use 8 electrons. Then, distribute the remaining 4 electrons as lone - pairs on nitrogen to complete its octet.
The correct Lewis structure has carbon bonded to three hydrogens and nitrogen, with a single bond between C and N, and two lone - pairs on nitrogen.
Answer:
The structure where carbon is bonded to three hydrogens and nitrogen, with nitrogen having two lone - pairs (the second structure in the order of the images you provided, where carbon has three single bonds to hydrogens and one single bond to nitrogen and nitrogen has two lone - pairs of electrons).