Question

draw the lewis structure for methanol (ch4o). methanol molecules have one hydroxy group. be certain you include any lone pairs.

Explanation:

Step1: Determine the central atom

Carbon (C) is the central atom as it has the highest bonding capacity among C, H, and O in $CH_4O$.

Step2: Calculate valence - electrons

Carbon has 4 valence electrons, oxygen has 6, and each hydrogen has 1. Total valence electrons = 4 + 6+(1×4)=14.

Step3: Connect atoms with single bonds

Connect the carbon atom to three hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom with single bonds. This uses 8 electrons (4 single - bonds, 2 electrons per bond).

Step4: Distribute remaining electrons

We have 14 - 8 = 6 remaining electrons. Place these 6 electrons as 3 lone - pairs on the oxygen atom.

Answer:

H
|
H - C - O - H
|
H
with two lone - pairs on the oxygen atom.