LEWIS STRUCTURE is a graphic representation of the electron distribution around

atoms. The reason for learning to draw Lewis structures is to predict the number and type of
bonds that may be formed around an atom. A Lewis structure also helps to make a prediction
about the geometry of a molecule. Chemistry students are often confused by the models, but
drawing Lewis structures can be a straightforward process if the proper steps are followed.

Step 1: Find the Total Number of Valence Electrons.

In this step, add up the total number of valence electrons from all the atoms in the
molecule.

Step 2: Find the Number of Electrons Needed to Make the Atoms "Happy".

An atom is considered "happy" if the atom's outer electron shell is filled. Elements up to
period four on the periodic table need eight electrons to fill their outer electron shell. This
property is often known as the "octet rule".

Step 3: Determine the number of bonds in the molecule.

Covalent bonds are formed when one electron from each atom forms an electron pair.
Step 2 tells how many electrons are needed and Step 1 is how many electrons you have.
Subtracting the number in Step 1 from the number in Step 2 gives you the number of electrons
needed to complete the octets.

Each bond formed requires two electrons, so the number of bonds is half the number of
electrons needed, or

(Step 2 - Step 1)/2

Step 4: Choose a Central Atom.

The central atom of a molecule is usually the least electronegative atom or the atom
with the highest valence. To find electronegativity, either rely on periodic table trends or else
consult a table that lists electronegativity values.

Electronegativity decreases moving down a group on the periodic table and tends to increase
moving from left to right across a period. Hydrogen and halogen atoms tend to appear on the
outside of the molecule and are rarely the central atom.

Step 5: Draw a Skeletal Structure.

Connect the atoms to the central atom with a straight line representing a bond between
the two atoms. The central atom can have up to four other atoms connected to it.
Step 6: Place Electrons Around Outside Atoms.

Complete the octets around each of the outer atoms. If there are not enough electrons
to complete the octets, the skeletal structure from step 5 is incorrect. Try a different
arrangement. Initially, this may require some trial an error. As you gain experience, it will
become easier to predict skeletal structures.

Step 7: Place Remaining Electrons Around the Central Atom.

Complete the octet for the central atom with the remaining electrons. If there are any
bonds left over from Step 3, create double bonds with lone pairs on outside atoms. A double
bond is represented by two solid lines drawn between a pair of atoms. If there are more than
eight electrons on the central atom and the atom is not one of the exceptions to the octet rule,
the number of valence atoms in Step 1 may have been counted incorrectly.

This will complete the Lewis dot structure for the molecule. Check out Draw a Lewis Structure
of Formaldehyde for an example problem using this process.

Lewis Structures vs Real Molecules

While Lewis structures are useful, especially

when you're learning about valence,
oxidation states, and bonding, there are many
exceptions to the rules in the real world.
Atoms seek to fill or half-fill their valence
electron shell. However, atoms can and do
form molecules that are not ideally stable. In
some cases, the central atom can form more
than other atoms connected to it. Also, the
number of valence electrons can exceed 8, especially for higher atomic numbers. Lewis
structures are helpful for light elements, but less useful for transition metals, including
lanthanides and actinides. Students are cautioned to remember Lewis structures are a valuable
tool for learning about and prediction the behavior of atoms in molecules, but they are
imperfect representations of real electron activity.
 Ionic compounds

Ionic bonds form when a metal reacts with a non-metal.

Metals form positive ions; non-metals form negative ions.
Ionic bonds are the electrostatic forces of attraction
between oppositely charged ions.
Positively charged Na ions and negatively charged Cl ions
The oppositely charged ions are arranged in a regular way to
form giant ionic lattices. Ionic compounds often form crystals
as a result. The illustration shows part of a sodium chloride
(NaCl) ionic lattice.

Properties of ionic compounds

 High melting and boiling points - Ionic bonds are very strong - a lot of energy is needed to
break them. So ionic compounds have high melting and boiling points.
 Conductive when liquid - Ions are charged particles, but ionic compounds can
only conduct electricity if their ions are free to move. Ionic compounds do not conduct
electricity when they are solid - only when dissolved in water or melted.
Properties of ionic compounds

Ionic compound Properties

Sodium chloride, High melting point: 800ºC

NaCl Non-conductive in its solid state, but when dissolved in water or molten NaCl will conduct electricity.

Magnesium Higher melting point than sodium chloride: around 2,800ºC. This is because its Mg2+ and O2- ions
oxide, MgO have a greater number of charges, so they form stronger ionic bonds than the Na + and Cl- ions in
sodium chloride.
Because magnesium oxide stays solid at such high temperatures, it remains non-conductive. It is
used for high-temperature electrical insulation.