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Question
The skeletal structure of CH3COOH as shown below is correct, but some of the bonds are shown incorrectly. Write the correct Lewis structure for acetic acid.
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Solution
Lewis Structure:
A Lewis Structure is a very simplified representation of the valence shell electrons in a molecule. It is used to show how the electrons are arranged around individual atoms in a molecule.
Electrons are shown as "dots" or for bonding electrons as a line between the two atoms. The goal is to obtain the "best" electron configuration, i.e., the octet rule and formal charges need to be satisfied.
Hence, given Lewis structure is not the correct representation of bond, because:
(1) There is an incomplete octet of oxygen which is shown above carbon atom (six electrons here).
(2) In the outermost shell of hydrogen only two electrons are possible but here four electrons are present in the outer shell which is not possible.
Correct Lewis Structure
Correct Lewis Structure of CH3COOH is as follows:
A Lewis Structure is a very simplified representation of the valence shell electrons in a molecule. It is used to show how the electrons are arranged around individual atoms in a molecule.
Electrons are shown as "dots" or for bonding electrons as a line between the two atoms. The goal is to obtain the "best" electron configuration, i.e., the octet rule and formal charges need to be satisfied.
Hence, given Lewis structure is not the correct representation of bond, because:(1) There is an incomplete octet of oxygen which is shown above carbon atom (six electrons here).
(2) In the outermost shell of hydrogen only two electrons are possible but here four electrons are present in the outer shell which is not possible.
Correct Lewis Structure
Correct Lewis Structure of CH3COOH is as follows:
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