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About Lewis Structure Generator
The Lewis Structure Generator draws Lewis dot diagrams for any molecular formula or polyatomic ion. Enter a formula like CO2, NH3, or SO4 2- and instantly see bonding pairs, lone pairs, formal charges, and resonance structures.
Includes VSEPR geometry prediction with bond angles and polarity assessment. Step-by-step construction shows how to count valence electrons, draw the skeleton, distribute electrons, and form multiple bonds.
FAQ
A Lewis structure (Lewis dot diagram) shows the bonding between atoms and the lone pairs of electrons in a molecule. Dots represent valence electrons and lines represent covalent bonds.
The octet rule states that atoms tend to form bonds to have eight electrons in their valence shell. Hydrogen needs only two (duet rule), and some period 3+ elements can exceed eight (expanded octet).
VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory predicts molecular geometry by minimizing repulsion between electron pairs around the central atom. It determines shapes like linear, bent, tetrahedral, and trigonal pyramidal.
Resonance structures are multiple valid Lewis structures for a molecule where electrons can be delocalized. The real molecule is a hybrid of all resonance forms. Common examples include ozone (O3) and carbonate (CO3 2-).
Formal charge = valence electrons - lone pair electrons - (bonding electrons / 2). The best Lewis structure minimizes formal charges on all atoms.
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