Facile Method for Constructing Lewis (Electron Dot) Structures

Abstract

A simple method to determine Lewis electron dot structures and formal charges without a need to sum all of the valence electrons, reorganize electron pairs, draw and pair up individual electrons, or remember a formal charge formula is described. The formal charge is determined by the group number (number of valence electrons) and the number of bonds, with the sum of formal charges then being equal to the total charge. This leads directly to a valid Lewis structure. The facility of the procedure allows the student to focus more on the chemical aspects of deciding which valid Lewis structure (or structures) is the correct or most important one.