which is the lewis structure for h3po4?
which is the lewis structure for h3po4?
Answer
Explanation:
Step1: Count valence electrons
Phosphorus (P) has 5 valence electrons, oxygen (O) has 6 valence electrons, and hydrogen (H) has 1 valence electron. For $H_3PO_4$, we have $3\times1 + 5+4\times6=3 + 5+24 = 32$ valence electrons.
Step2: Determine central atom
Phosphorus is the central atom as it is less electronegative than oxygen.
Step3: Connect atoms and distribute electrons
Connect the P - atom to four O - atoms and three H - atoms are attached to three of the O - atoms. First, place single bonds between P and O and O and H. Then distribute the remaining electrons as lone - pairs to satisfy the octet rule. The correct Lewis structure has a double - bond between P and one of the O - atoms and single bonds between P and the other three O - atoms, with each of the three non - double - bonded O - atoms bonded to a H - atom. The structure shown at the top (where P is the central atom, double - bonded to one O, single - bonded to three O's, and each of those three O's is single - bonded to a H) is correct.
Answer:
The first structure (where P is the central atom, double - bonded to one O, single - bonded to three O's, and each of those three O's is single - bonded to a H) is the correct Lewis structure for $H_3PO_4$.