QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
Draw the Lewis structure for acetylene (C^2H2). Be certain you include any lone pairs.
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Answer
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Step 1: Identify the total number of valence electrons in the molecule.
Acetylene (C^2H2) contains two carbon atoms and two hydrogen atoms. Carbon is in the 14th group of the periodic table, so it has 4 valence electrons. Hydrogen is in the 1st group and has 1 valence electron. Total valence electrons = (2 * 4) + (2 * 1) = 8 + 2 = 10 valence electrons
Step 2: Determine the central atom and arrange the remaining atoms around it.
In acetylene, carbon atoms are the central atoms. Place the two carbon atoms in the center with a triple bond between them. Then, attach the two hydrogen atoms to the carbons with single bonds.
Final Answer
The Lewis structure for acetylene (C^2H2) is: H-•-C≡C<sup>-</sup>H This structure shows the triple bond between the carbon atoms and the single bonds between the carbons and hydrogens. The negative formal charge on one carbon atom is balanced by the positive charge on the other carbon atom, resulting in a neutral molecule.
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