QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
"Draw a Lewis structure for ClO^4 - in which the central Cl atom obeys the octet rule, and answer the following questions based on your drawing.
The number of unshared pairs (lone pairs) on the central Cl atom is:
The central Cl atom forms single bonds.
The central Cl atom forms double bonds."
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Answer
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Step 1:: Draw the skeletal structure of the ClO^4 - ion.
Place the central Cl atom and then add the four O atoms around it, ensuring each O atom is connected to the Cl atom with a single bond.
Step 2:: Calculate the formal charge for the Cl atom.
In the skeletal structure, $N = 8$ (since it shares 4 electrons in 4 single bonds) and $B = 4$ (it forms 4 single bonds).
The formal charge for an atom in a Lewis structure is given by the formula:
Step 3:: Calculate the formal charge for each O atom.
In the skeletal structure, $N = 7$ (since it shares 1 electron in a single bond and receives 6 electrons from the single bonds) and $B = 1$ (it forms 1 single bond).
Step 4:: Add up the formal charges to ensure the Lewis structure is neutral or charged appropriately.
The total charge of the ion is - 1, so the sum of the formal charges should equal - 1.
Step 5:: Distribute the negative charge among the O atoms.
Since the total charge is - 1, we need to add one additional electron to one of the O atoms. This will make the formal charge for that O atom - 1, while the formal charges for the other O atoms will be 0.
Step 6:: Add lone pairs to the Lewis structure.
Add lone pairs to the O atoms to satisfy the octet rule (8 electrons in the outermost shell). Each O atom will have 3 lone pairs, while the Cl atom will have 2 lone pairs.
Step 7:: Determine the number of unshared pairs on the central Cl atom.
The central Cl atom has 2 lone pairs.
Step 8:: Determine the number of single bonds formed by the central Cl atom.
The central Cl atom forms 4 single bonds with the O atoms.
Step 9:: Determine the number of double bonds formed by the central Cl atom.
Since the Cl atom forms only single bonds, it does not form any double bonds.
Final Answer
- The number of unshared pairs (lone pairs) on the central Cl atom is 2. - The central Cl atom forms single bonds. - The central Cl atom forms no double bonds.
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