Cl2O2 may play a role in ozone depletion in the stratosphere. In the laboratory, a reaction between ClO2F and AlCl3 produces Cl2O2 and AlCl2F. Draw the lewis structure of Cl2O2 based on the skeletal structure in the figure below. Do not add formal charges.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
It seems I can’t access the link you provided directly. However, I can still guide you through drawing the Lewis structure of Cl₂O₂ based on the skeletal structure you’ve mentioned.
Steps to draw the Lewis structure for Cl₂O₂:
- Count the total valence electrons:
- Chlorine (Cl) is in Group 17, so it has 7 valence electrons. There are 2 chlorine atoms, so that’s (2 \times 7 = 14) electrons.
- Oxygen (O) is in Group 16, so it has 6 valence electrons. There are 2 oxygen atoms, so that’s (2 \times 6 = 12) electrons.
- The total number of valence electrons is: (14 + 12 = 26) electrons.
- Construct the skeletal structure:
- Based on the molecular formula Cl₂O₂, we know that there are two chlorine atoms and two oxygen atoms.
- The simplest way to connect the atoms is to have a Cl-O-O-Cl structure.
- Distribute electrons:
- Start by placing single bonds between the atoms: Cl-O-O-Cl. Each single bond accounts for 2 electrons, so 4 electrons are used in total.
- You now have 26 – 4 = 22 electrons remaining to be placed as lone pairs.
- Place lone pairs on the oxygen atoms:
- Each oxygen atom needs 6 electrons to complete its octet. You place 3 lone pairs on each oxygen atom. This consumes (2 \times 6 = 12) electrons, leaving you with 10 electrons.
- Place lone pairs on the chlorine atoms:
- Chlorine atoms also need 3 lone pairs each to complete their octet. This will use up the remaining 10 electrons (5 pairs).
- Double check for octet completion:
- Both chlorine atoms have 8 electrons (6 from the lone pairs, 2 from the bonding), and both oxygen atoms also have 8 electrons (6 from the lone pairs, 2 from the bonding).
The Lewis structure should look like this:
Cl-O-O-ClEach atom has its lone pairs around it, with the chlorine atoms connected to the oxygen atoms by single bonds, completing the octet for each atom.
Let me generate an image based on this structure.
Here is the generated Lewis structure for Cl₂O₂, based on your description. It shows the chlorine atoms connected to the oxygen atoms by single bonds, with each atom having the appropriate lone pairs to complete their octet.
If you need any further clarification or additional information, feel free to ask!
