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Step 1:I'll solve this problem step by step, following the LaTeX formatting guidelines precisely:
Step 2:: Determine the central atom
- Carbon (C) will be the central atom in CH₃Cl - Carbon has 4 valence electrons - Hydrogen atoms (3) will bond to carbon - Chlorine will be the fourth substituent
Step 3:: Calculate total valence electrons
- Total: $$4 + 3(1) + 7 = 14$$ valence electrons
- Carbon: 4 valence electrons - Hydrogen (3 × 1): 3 valence electrons - Chlorine: 7 valence electrons
Step 4:: Arrange single bonds
- Connect carbon to three hydrogens and one chlorine \begin{array}{c} H \ | \ H - C - Cl \ | \ H \end{array}
Step 5:: Distribute remaining electrons
- All valence electrons have been used in single bonds - No additional lone pairs needed
Step 6:: Check octet rule
- Carbon: 8 electrons (4 from single bonds) - Chlorine: 8 electrons (1 single bond + 3 lone pairs) - Hydrogens: 2 electrons each
Final Answer
\begin{array}{c} H \ | \ H - C - Cl \ | \ H \end{array} The Lewis structure for CH₃Cl shows a tetrahedral arrangement with carbon at the center, three hydrogen atoms, and one chlorine atom.
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