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 CO

Video: Drawing the Lewis Structure for CO

For the CO Lewis structure, calculate the total number of valence electrons for the CO molecule. After determining how many valence electrons there are in CO, place them around the central atom to complete the octets.

The Lewis structure for CO has 10 valence electrons.

For the CO Lewis structure you'll need a triple bond between the Carbon and Oxygen atoms in order to satisfy the octets of each atom while still using the 10 valence electrons available for the CO molecule.


It is helpful if you:

  • Try to draw the CO Lewis structure before watching the video.
  • Watch the video and see if you missed any steps or information.
  • Try structures similar to CO 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