Step #1

Know how to determine the valence electron for all elements.

Drawing Lewis Diagrams for Molecules

Step 1 Draw each element separately, showing the valence electrons. (Use different symbols

for different atoms)

Step 2 Choose the least occurring atom as the central atom (or the least electronegative).

Except hydrogens or Oxygens.

Step 3 Add next frequently occurring atoms around the central atom keeping symmetry in mind.

• You cannot put two of one atom next to each other

That is, OOAl must be O Al O

Step 4 Add all the electrons and then put Hydrogen on LAST, oxygen atoms on 2nd to last.

Step 5 Never leave an unpaired electron

Step 6 Circle your 8’s starting with the central atom

Group 1 = 2e- H;

Group 2 = 2e- or 4e- :Mg ;Mg;

Step #2

(Connectivity) From the Chemical Formula, determine the atom connectivity for the

structure.

Find the central atom.

Examples:

i. Given a chemical formula, ABn, A is the central atom and B flanks the A atom.

i.e., NH3, NCl3, NO2. In these examples, N is central in the structure.

H
H

ii. H and F are never central atoms.

Step #3 (# of Bond) Determine the number of bonds in the compound