Lewis Structures for Covalent Molecules: Step-by-Step

In this video you’ll learn how to draw Lewis Dot Structures for covalent compounds. The video covers the basic Lewis structures you'll see in an introductory chemistry class.

There are several key steps for writing Lewis Structures:

1. Find the total valence electrons for the molecule.
2. Put the least electronegative atom in the center. Note: Hydrogen (H) always goes outside.
3. Put two electrons between atoms to form a chemical bond.
4. Complete octets on outside atoms.
5. If central atom does not have an octet, move electrons from outer atoms to form double or triple bonds.

---- Other Resources for Lewis Structures----
• Lewis Structures Practice Video Worksheet:    • Lewis Dot Structure Practice Problems (wit...  
• Finding Valence Electrons (element):    • Finding the Number of Valence Electrons fo...  
• Determining Formal Charge:    • Formal Charges: Calculating Formal Charge  
• Formal Charge Practice Video:    • Formal Charge Practice Problems with Expla...  
• Exceptions to the Octet Rule:    • Exceptions to the Octet Rule  

Lewis Structures are important to learn because they help us understand how atoms and electrons are arranged in a molecule. This can help us determine the molecular geometry, how the molecule might react with other molecules, and some of the physical properties of the molecule (like boiling point and surface tension).

Get more chemistry help at www.Breslyn.org.