Lewis Structures

[505095793]

How do we know which atom to put in the center of a Lewis structure?

[Sophia_Kiessling_2L]

It is the atom with the lowest ionization energy in the middle

[Hedi Zappacosta 1E]

It is whichever atom is the least electronegative or has the lowest ionization energy.

[angelagd3l]

normally you put the atom with the lowest ionization energy

[Alexandra Albers 1D]

It is usually the atom with the lowest ionization energy. Although if you are given the molecule, you may be able to figure out which atom is the central one based on if there is one type of atom and four of another type of atom for example, or a similar type of molecule.

[Alexa_Henrie_1I]

If there are only two atoms in a molecule, does it matter where the atom with the non-lowest ionization atom is put? Like does it matter if it is put to the left or right of the central atom?

[Andrewwiner4D]

No^ because in nature the molecule can literally just turn and the elements would switch whether they are on the right or the left.

[Abhi4F]

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

[Soyoung Park 1H]

When do you use brackets around the lewis structures?

[kimberlyrose1G]

When do you use brackets around the lewis structures?

Once you have completed the Lewis structure and know the charge is when you put brackets and the charge in the top right corner on the outside of the brackets

[kimberlyrose1G]

How do we know which atom to put in the center of a Lewis structure?

It's the atom with the lowest ionization energy, and if there's multiple of the other atoms in the compound, it'll be the atom that there is one of.

[kimberlyrose1G]

How do we know which atom to put in the center of a Lewis structure?

It's the atom with the lowest ionization energy, and if there's multiple of the other atoms in the compound, it'll be the atom that there is one of.

Also: Hydrogen can never be the center atom