Central Atom

[Melissa Villanueva1K]

When writing out the lewis structure for CH3OH how do we determine which one is the central atom? And if there are more than one, how do we determine that? Thanks!

[timothy_ho_4B]

For any molecules, the central atom is the atom with the lowest ionization energy, so in the case of CH3OH, C would have the lowest
ionization energy, thus being in the center of the molecule.

[Elena Maneffa 1E]

H is never a central atom, so you know that for sure. You then look at the other two elements, C and O. C is the central atom because it has the lowest ionization energy. So connect C and O with a bond, and then put 3 H's on the C and one H on the O. Don't forget to add 2 lone pairs to O.

[Xingzheng Sun 2K]

For the Lewis structure, we always choose the atom with the lowest ionization energy as the central atom. Therefore it is C in this case.

[Zubair Ahmed 1L]

When dealing with Lewis structures, the atom with the lowest ionization energy would be used as the central atom. Hydrogen is never the central atom so it would be Carbon in this case.

[isarose0]

The central atom is the element with the lowest ionization energy.

[Madeera_Mian_3B]

As most people said, to find the central atom is the lowest ionization energy. Carbon would be the central atom since Hydrogen is never the central atom.

[Vicky Lu 1L]

The central atom is normally determined by the element with the lowest ionization energy, in your case with the example, CH3OH, carbon. However, if its finding the Lewis structure for HOCO for example, then you would write it straight out like that (H-O-C-O) since it is written in that manner.

[Jaifreen_Bhangu_3K]

The atom with the lowest ionization energy is in the middle.

[anishathomas]

You look for which one of the elements have lower ionization energies. Also you can usually rule out hydrogen as it tends to never be in the middle. Ionization energy increases across and period and decreases as you go down a group

[Chem_Mod]

All good answers

[Jennifer Guzman 4C]

The least electronegative atom will be central. Hydrogen is never central.

[Selina Bellin 2B]

lowest ionization energy!

[Katie_Duong_1D]

The atom with the lowest ionization energy should be the central atom. Since C has the lowest ionization energy, it should be the central atom. Carbon is also tetravalent, so being the central atom makes it easier for carbon to get its four bonds.