LEWIS DOT FORMULA STEPS

Question 1

Step 2

Answer 1

arrange the atoms radially, with the least electronegative atom in the center

Question 2

Step 3

Answer 2

distribute the remaining electrons to the peripheral atoms to satisfy the octet rule

Question 3

Step 4

Answer 3

distribute any remaining electrons to the central atom (if there are fewer than 8 electrons on the central atom a multiple bond may be necessary)

Question 4

Step 5

Answer 4

(if the central atom is in period 3 or higher) confirm formal charge on central atom is zero

formal charge(central atom) = # valence e- of central atom - # bonding pair e-/2 - # lone pair e-

Question 5

Step 1

Answer 5

total all valence electrons in the molecular formula