Commonly Tested Lewis Structures

We draw Lewis Structures to predict:

-the shape of a molecule.

-the reactivity of a molecule and how it might interact with other molecules.

-the physical properties of a molecule such as boiling point, surface tension, etc.

Drawing the Lewis Structure for C2H4

For C2H4 you have a total of 12 total valence electrons.

Drawing the Lewis structure for C2H4 (named ethene) requires the use of a double bond. In a double bond two pairs of valence electrons are shared (for a total of four valence electrons).

Remember that hydrogen atoms always go on the outside of a Lewis structure and that they only need two valence electrons for a full outer shell.

Video: Drawing the Lewis Structure for C2H4

It is helpful if you:

  • Try to draw the C2H4 Lewis structure before watching the video.
  • Watch the video and see if you missed any important steps or information.
  • Try structures similar to C2H4 (like O2) for more practice.

List of Lewis Structures

Acetone BF3 BH4- BrF5 BrO3- C2H2 C2H4 ClO-
CH4 ClO2- ClO2 ClO4- CO CS2 H2O H3O+
HCl HNO3 I3- ICl4- IF5 N2 N3- NH2OH
NH3 NO2- NO2 NO3- O2 OF2 PCl5 PH3
PO33- PO43- SCl2 SF4 SF6 SO3 SO42- XeF2
XeF4