Learn to depict molecules and compounds using the Lewis structure. Explore the relationship between the octet rule, valence electron, and the...
Learn how to predict the shape and polarity of molecules from Lewis structures, and see examples that walk through sample problems step-by-step for you to improve your chemistry knowledge and skills.
It is commonly used to determine the Lewis structure of molecules. However, the octet rule is not the end of the story. If you look at hydrogen (H) and helium (He), you will see that do not prefer an eight-electron valence, but a two-electron valence: H forms e.g. H 2, HF, H 2 O, He (which already has two electrons and doesn't form molecules).
Learn about Lewis dot structures. Understand what a Lewis dot structure is and how to draw it, and practice drawing hydrogen, carbon, and other...
Which of the Lewis structure is best at approximating the real situation becomes secondary, and it makes sense to move on from a Lewis structure model to more comprehensive models of bonding for species such as this one.
What is the octet rule? Learn the definition of octet rule and Lewis structure. See the rules for drawing Lewis structure and its dependency on the periodic table.
On a chemistry homework, we're asked to draw the Lewis structure of $\ce{N3-}$. My answer: Nitrogen ordinarily has five electrons in its valence; $\ce{N-}$ has six. This makes a total of 16 elect...
The structure on the left follows the octet rule for both atoms, whereas the one on the right has only six electrons associated with the carbon atoms. So if you only want to write a single Lewis structure, the one on the left is better. If you have space, write the pair of resonance structures with a double arrow ($\ce {<->}$) between them.