Draw the Lewis structure for ethanol $\left(\mathrm{C}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{6} \mathrm{O}\right)$. Ethanol molecules have one hydroxy group. 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 ethanol molecule.

In total, there are $2 \times 4 + 6 + 6 = 22$ valence electrons in an ethanol molecule.

Step 2
: Draw a skeletal structure for the ethanol molecule.

\mathrm{CH}_{3}\mathrm{CH}_{2}\mathrm{OH}
Carbon atoms tend to form 4 bonds, and hydrogen atoms form 1 bond. Oxygen atoms usually form 2 bonds and have 2 lone pairs of electrons. Start by placing the carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms in a way that satisfies these bonding requirements.

Final Answer

The Lewis structure for ethanol is: \begin{array}{cccc} & & \mathrm{H} & \ & & | & \ \mathrm{H}-\mathrm{C}: & - & \mathrm{O}: & :\mathrm{H} \ & & | & \ \mathrm{H}-\mathrm{C}: & & & \end{array}