lewis structure

[megangeorge-1K]

I'm drawing a blank, when drawing a lewis structure what determines which element goes in the middle?

[Jared Pagal 1J]

in drawing a lewis structure, typically the least electronegative atom is the central atom

[megangeorge-1K]

oh ok thank you!

[melodyso1K]

Also, the element in the middle is the one that has to make the most bonds!

[melodyso1K]

Also, the element in the middle is the one that has to make the most bonds!

This was said today during one of the review sessions ^^

[Megan Phan 1K]

The least electronegative, an one capable of making the most bond should be in the center.

[Sollie1G]

It is usually the most electronegative, C is one of the more common ones!!

[Yixiao Hu 3C]

you mean the central atom ? choose atom with lowest ionization energy as central atom

[AlyssaBei_1F]

The central atom is the atom in the middle. It is determined by the atom with the lowest ionization energy. Ionization energy increases up a group and increases across a period.

[Cole Elsner 2J]

Typically the atom with the lowest ionization energy ends up in the middle for lewis structure. Remember, ionization energy increases from going up and to the right of the periodic table.

[Meachelle_Lum_1I]

Some tips I find helpful:
- The atom with the lowest ionization energy ends up in the middle for lewis structure.
- Carbon always makes four bonds
Also, just remember that every element except H, He, Li, and Be follow the octet rule.