

If not, then complete the octets of all central atoms by moving lone pairs from terminal atoms to form multiple bonds.ħ. If you have used up all the valence electrons to complete octets for all the atoms, you are done.Ħ. Using the remaining valence electrons, complete the octets of the terminal atoms first, then complete as many as possible for the central atoms.ĥ. For each single bond, subtract two electrons from the total number of valence electrons.Ĥ.

Central atoms are generally those with the lowest EN.ī) Connect the central atom with each of the terminal atoms by drawing a single bond.ģ.Write a plausible skeletal structure using the following steps:Ī) Write atomic symbols for the central and terminal atoms. The total number of electrons = 5 (N atom) + 4×1 (four H atoms) -1 (minus the charge for cation) = 8 valence electronsĢ. For ions, make sure charges are properly included in the calculation. Calculate the total number of valence electrons. Lewis Structure Drawing Procedu re for Polyatomic Molecules and Ionsġ. It is very important that you use the following procedure to get the correct Lewis structures for polyatomic molecules and ions. A specific procedure with certain steps has to be followed. Draw the Lewis structure of the N 2 molecule.ġ.2.2 Lewis Structures of Polyatomic Molecules or Ionsįor more complicated polyatomic molecules and ions, the Lewis structures cannot be obtained by simply combining Lewis symbols.
