lewis dot structure for c2h4
To draw the Lewis structure for C2H4 (ethylene), follow these steps:
1. Determine the total number of valence electrons:
Carbon (C) has 4 valence electrons, and there are 2 carbon atoms, so (4 x 2) = 8 valence electrons.
Hydrogen (H) has 1 valence electron, and there are 4 hydrogen atoms, so (1 x 4) = 4 valence electrons.
The total number of valence electrons is 8 + 4 = 12.
2. Arrange the atoms in a way that carbon atoms are bonded together and hydrogens are bonded to carbons. Carbon atoms will each contribute 4 electrons, while hydrogen atoms each contribute 1 electron.
H H
|
H - C - C - H
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H H
3. Connect the atoms with single bonds (one bond between each carbon and hydrogen atom).
H H
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H - C - C - H
|
H H
4. Distribute the remaining electrons to satisfy the octet rule for each atom. Begin by filling the outer electrons of hydrogen atoms (2 electrons each) and then complete the octet for carbon atoms (8 electrons each). Place the remaining electrons on the central carbon atom.
H H
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H - C - C - H
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H H
5. Count the total number of electrons used. It should equal the total number of valence electrons (12).
H H
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H - C = C - H
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H H
6. Check if all atoms have an octet. If any atoms have less than an octet, move lone pairs from the outer atoms to form double or triple bonds with the central atom. In this case, carbon only has a total of 6 electrons, so it can form a double bond. Move a lone pair from one of the outer carbon atoms to form a double bond between the two carbon atoms.
H H
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H : C = C : H
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H H
7. Check if all atoms have an octet again. In this case, all atoms have a full octet, so the Lewis structure is complete.
Therefore, the Lewis dot structure for C2H4 is H : C = C : H, where colons represent the double bond.