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Question

Draw the best Lewis structure for CH2O. Based on the Lewis structure for CH2O, consider the following. 1. The electronic geometry about the carbon

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Answered By Expert

Albert

Expert · 3.7k answers · 3k people helped

Solution By Steps

Step 1: Lewis Structure of CH2O

To draw the Lewis structure of CH2O, we start by counting the total valence electrons. Carbon contributes 4, hydrogen contributes 2 each, and oxygen contributes 6, giving us a total of 12 valence electrons.

Arranging the atoms, we place the carbon in the center, surrounded by the two hydrogen atoms and the oxygen atom. We then form single bonds between the carbon and each hydrogen, and a double bond between the carbon and the oxygen. This uses 2 + 2 + 4 = 8 valence electrons, leaving 4 remaining.

Placing the remaining 4 electrons on the oxygen atom as lone pairs, we obtain the Lewis structure for CH2O.

Step 2: Electronic Geometry about Carbon

The electronic geometry around the carbon atom in CH2O is trigonal planar. This is because the carbon atom is bonded to three other atoms (two hydrogens and one oxygen) and has no lone pairs.

Final Answer

The Lewis structure for CH2O is:

C

O

/

H H

The electronic geometry about the carbon in CH2O is trigonal planar.

Key Concept

Electronic Geometry

Key Concept Explanation

Electronic geometry refers to the spatial arrangement of atoms and lone pairs around a central atom. It helps in understanding the overall shape of a molecule, which in turn affects its physical and chemical properties.