What is the lewis structure of the following molecules?
A. CH3NH2 (whose skeletal structure is H3CNH2)
B. CH3CO2CH3 (whose skeletal structure is H3CCOOCH3, with both O atoms attached to the second C)
C. NH2CO2H (whose skeletal structure is H2NCOOH, with both O atoms attached to C)
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
Let’s explore the Lewis structures for each of the molecules you’ve mentioned, along with a detailed explanation for each.
A. CH₃NH₂ (Methylamine)
- Lewis Structure Construction:
- Carbon (C) has 4 valence electrons and forms three bonds with three Hydrogen (H) atoms and one bond with Nitrogen (N).
- Nitrogen (N) has 5 valence electrons and uses three for bonding (one with C and two with H) and keeps one lone pair.
- Steps and Considerations:
- Place C in the center with three H atoms around it.
- Connect N to C and add two H atoms to N.
- Ensure N has a lone pair to complete its octet.
B. CH₃CO₂CH₃ (Acetone)
- Lewis Structure Construction:
- Central Carbon (C) (from CO₂ group) is double-bonded to two Oxygen (O) atoms and single-bonded to another Carbon.
- Each Oxygen has two lone pairs and forms a double bond with the central C.
- Terminal Carbon atoms each connect to three H atoms.
- Steps and Considerations:
- Start with the central C, attach it to two O atoms via double bonds.
- Attach each O to a lone pair.
- Connect each terminal C to three H atoms.
C. NH₂CO₂H (Glycine)
- Lewis Structure Construction:
- Nitrogen (N) at one end bonded to two H atoms and to the central Carbon (C).
- Central Carbon bonded to N, to an Oxygen (O) by double bond, and to another O by a single bond that also attaches to an H (carboxylic group).
- Steps and Considerations:
- N with two H and a single bond to C.
- C bonded to N, double-bonded to one O, and single-bonded to another O which is also bonded to H.
- Lone pairs on O to complete octets.
Explanation:
The Lewis structures of organic molecules like these help visualize the arrangement of electrons around atoms, indicating how atoms are connected and where the electrons are distributed. For each molecule:
- In CH₃NH₂, the focus is on satisfying the valence requirements of C and N while ensuring all H atoms are singly bonded.
- In CH₃CO₂CH₃, it’s crucial to correctly depict the double bonds to O and single bonds to terminal C atoms.
- In NH₂CO₂H, it is essential to correctly display the amine and carboxylic groups, demonstrating N’s bonding with H and C, and C’s double bond with O in the COOH group.
These structures are foundational for understanding molecular geometry, polarity, and reactivity, which are critical for predicting the behavior of molecules in chemical reactions and biological systems.
Now, let’s generate the images for these Lewis structures.
Here are the Lewis structure diagrams for the molecules you asked about:
- CH₃NH₂ (Methylamine)
- CH₃CO₂CH₃ (Acetone)
- NH₂CO₂H (Glycine)
Each diagram is labeled with atoms, bonds, and lone pairs, showing how the electrons are distributed around each molecule. These structures are vital for understanding the properties and reactions of these molecules. If you have any more questions or need further explanation, feel free to ask!
