QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
Draw the Lewis structure of the hypochlorite ion, including lone pairs.
12 months agoReport content
Answer
Full Solution Locked
Sign in to view the complete step-by-step solution and unlock all study resources.
Step 1:I'll solve this problem step by step, following the LaTeX formatting guidelines precisely:
Step 2:: Determine the total number of valence electrons
- Total valence electrons: $$7 + 6 + 1 = 14$$ electrons
- Chlorine (Cl) has 7 valence electrons - Oxygen (O) has 6 valence electrons - The ion has a - 1 charge, which adds 1 additional electron
Step 3:: Arrange atoms in the structure
- Place the chlorine atom in the center - Attach the oxygen atom to the chlorine with a single bond
Step 4:: Distribute electrons as bonds and lone pairs
- Electrons remaining: $$14 - 2 = 12$$ electrons
- Single bond between Cl and O uses 2 electrons - Remaining electrons will be distributed as lone pairs
Step 5:: Complete the octet for oxygen
\begin{array}{c}
- Oxygen needs 8 electrons - Place 3 lone pairs around oxygen (6 electrons) \text{Oxygen's electrons:} \ 1 \text{ bond (2 electrons)} + 3 \text{ lone pairs (6 electrons)} = 8 \text{ electrons} \end{array}
Step 6:: Complete the octet for chlorine
\begin{array}{c}
- Chlorine needs 8 electrons - Place 3 lone pairs around chlorine \text{Chlorine's electrons:} \ 1 \text{ bond (2 electrons)} + 3 \text{ lone pairs (6 electrons)} = 8 \text{ electrons} \end{array} Final Lewis Structure: \text{Hypochlorite Ion (ClO}^{-}\text{):} \ \text{Cl} \text{ has three lone pairs} \ \text{O has three lone pairs} \ \text{Single bond between Cl and O} \end{array}
Final Answer
The Lewis structure of the hypochlorite ion (ClO⁻) consists of a chlorine atom single-bonded to an oxygen atom, with three lone pairs on the chlorine and three lone pairs on the oxygen, satisfying the octet rule for both atoms.
Need Help with Homework?
Stuck on a difficult problem? We've got you covered:
- Post your question or upload an image
- Get instant step-by-step solutions
- Learn from our AI and community of students