Question

draw the lewis structure for phosgene (cocl₂). you do not need to provide resonance structures for this drawing. simply draw the best depiction of the molecule.

Explanation:

Step1: Count valence electrons

Carbon has 4, oxygen has 6 and each chlorine has 7. So total valence electrons = 4 + 6+7×2 = 24.

Step2: Determine central atom

Carbon is the central atom as it can form more bonds than oxygen or chlorine.

Step3: Connect atoms with single - bonds

Connect carbon to oxygen and two chlorine atoms with single - bonds. This uses 6 electrons.

Step4: Distribute remaining electrons

There are 24 - 6=18 remaining electrons. Place 3 lone - pairs on each chlorine and 2 lone - pairs on oxygen to satisfy the octet rule. But carbon only has 6 electrons.

Step5: Form a double - bond

Move one of the lone - pairs from oxygen to form a double - bond between carbon and oxygen, giving all atoms an octet.

Answer:

!Lewis structure of phosgene (The Lewis structure has a carbon atom in the center, double - bonded to an oxygen atom and single - bonded to two chlorine atoms. Each chlorine has 3 lone - pairs and oxygen has 2 lone - pairs.)