QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
What is the correct Lewis structure for hypochlorous acid, HOCl?
Hint: Oxygen is the central atom.
A. :H-O-C:
B. :H-O-CH-o-d:
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Answer
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Step 1:I'll solve this step-by-step using Lewis structure rules:
Step 2:: Determine the total number of valence electrons
- Total valence electrons: $$1 + 6 + 7 = 14$$ valence electrons
- Hydrogen (H): 1 valence electron - Oxygen (O): 6 valence electrons - Chlorine (Cl): 7 valence electrons
Step 3:: Arrange atoms
- Place oxygen as the central atom - Attach hydrogen to one side of oxygen - Attach chlorine to the other side of oxygen
Step 4:: Distribute electrons
- Remaining electrons: $$14 - 6 = 8$$ electrons
- First, create single bonds between atoms - This uses 2 electrons per single bond (6 total)
Step 5:: Complete octets
\text{H} - \text{O}:^{2-} - \text{Cl}:^{+}
- Add remaining electrons as lone pairs to oxygen and chlorine - Oxygen needs 2 more electrons - Chlorine needs 3 more electrons Final Lewis Structure:
Final Answer
The correct Lewis structure is \text{H} - \text{O}:^{2 -} - \text{Cl}:^{+}, with lone pairs on oxygen and chlorine.
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