Question

which of the following is the correct lewis dot structure for a molecule with the formula h2co?

Explanation:

Carbon (C) is the central atom in $H_2CO$. Carbon has 4 valence - electrons, oxygen (O) has 6 valence - electrons, and each hydrogen (H) has 1 valence - electron. The total number of valence - electrons is $4 + 2\times1+6=12$. Carbon forms a double - bond with oxygen and single - bonds with two hydrogens to satisfy the octet rule (except for hydrogen which follows the duet rule). The correct Lewis dot structure has a double - bond between C and O, with two lone pairs on O and single bonds between C and each H.

Answer:

The third option (the one with a double - bond between C and O and single bonds between C and H, and two lone pairs on O) is the correct Lewis dot structure for $H_2CO$.