which of the following is the correct lewis structure for formaldehyde, ch2o?
which of the following is the correct lewis structure for formaldehyde, ch2o?
Answer
Answer:
The first structure (with a double - bond between C and O and single - bonds between C and H) is the correct Lewis structure for formaldehyde.
Explanation:
Step1: Calculate valence electrons
Carbon has 4, oxygen has 6, and each hydrogen has 1. So for $CH_2O$, the total number of valence electrons is $4 + 2\times1+6=12$.
Step2: Determine the central atom
Carbon is the central atom as it can form more bonds than hydrogen and oxygen.
Step3: Arrange atoms and bonds
Connect the hydrogen atoms and oxygen atom to the carbon atom with single bonds first. Then, to satisfy the octet rule for all atoms and use up all 12 valence electrons, there should be a double - bond between carbon and oxygen. The first structure shows a double - bond between C and O and single - bonds between C and H, which is the correct Lewis structure for formaldehyde.