Lewis notation

Draw the Lewis Structure for 𝑷𝑪𝒍𝟑 . 1.

1. Choose a central atom – almost always the atom with the lowest
electronegativity.

2. Determine the total number of valence electrons in the molecule or

ion. Note the ion charge. A negative ion will have one more electron
in total and a positive ion will have one less.

3. Always place one pair of electrons between each of the bonded

atoms to form a single bond.
4. Place the remaining electrons as lone pairs around the terminal atoms
(not H). Start with the most electronegative atom.
5. When the terminal atoms each have 4 × 2 pairs and there still are
unplaced electrons, the remaining electrons are place around the
central atom. If the central atom has less than eight electrons (4 × 2
pairs) around it, move some of the lone pairs to a position between the
central and terminal atoms.
 Lewis notation
Draw the Lewis Structure for 𝑶𝑭𝟐 . 2.
1. Choose a central atom – almost always the atom with the lowest
electronegativity.

2. Determine the total number of valence electrons in the molecule or

ion. Note the ion charge. A negative ion will have one more electron
in total and a positive ion will have one less.

3. Always place one pair of electrons between each of the bonded

atoms to form a single bond.
4. Place the remaining electrons as lone pairs around the terminal atoms
(not H). Start with the most electronegative atom.
5. When the terminal atoms each have 4 × 2 pairs and there still are
unplaced electrons, the remaining electrons are place around the
central atom. If the central atom has less than eight electrons (4 × 2
pairs) around it, move some of the lone pairs to a position between the
central and terminal atoms.
 Lewis notation
Multiple Bonds 3.
Draw the Lewis Structure for 𝑯𝟐 𝑶.

1. Identify central atom.

2. Determine number of valence electrons.

3. Place pairs between bonding atoms.

4. Place remaining pairs as lone pairs around terminal atoms.

5. Ensure central atom has 8 surrounding electrons (4 pairs).

 Lewis notation
Multiple Bonds 4.
Draw the Lewis Structure for 𝑪𝑶𝟐 .

1. Identify central atom.

2. Determine number of valence electrons.

3. Place pairs between bonding atoms.

4. Place remaining pairs as lone pairs around terminal atoms.

5. Ensure central atom has 8 surrounding electrons (4 pairs).

 Lewis notation
Resonance Structure 5.
Draw the Lewis Structure for 𝑵𝑶−
𝟑.

1. Identify central atom.

2. Determine number of valence electrons.

3. Place pairs between bonding atoms.

4. Place remaining pairs as lone pairs around terminal atoms.

5. Ensure central atom has 8 surrounding electrons (4 pairs).

 Lewis notation
Dative Colvalent Bonding 6.
Draw the Lewis Structure for 𝑵𝑯+
𝟒.

Hydrogen ion Ammonia Dative covalent bond

Draw the Lewis Structure for 𝑯𝟑 𝑶+

Hydrogen ion Water Dative covalent bond