Lewis Structures for Molecules with H- AND O- atoms

[Steven Garcia 1H]

Is there a way to know whether an H will be attached to an oxygen in a molecule or attached to the central atom? I noticed in some cases the H is attached to an oxygen in the molecule and other times the H is simply attached to the central atom.

[Chem_Mod]

Usually, you can tell by the way the formula is written. For example, CBr3OH is a molecule with the H bonded to the O, and you can tell because the formula says OH. You can also draw the correct lewis structures based on minimizing formal charges.

[Chloe Likwong 2K]

If you see OH in a compound, H is usually attached to O.

[Emily Ng_4C]

When you see an OH in a molecular formula, the H usually goes on the O. However, to be sure, calculate the formal charges and make sure it aligns with how you are drawing the molecules.