Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Chemistry => Topic started by: eli345414 on 03/06/2007 10:58:07

Title: lewis structure
Post by: eli345414 on 03/06/2007 10:58:07

I could like to know how to draw a lewis or VSEPR structure for CLO5 ( A kind of chlorate) URGENT PLIZ!!!!

Title: lewis structure
Post by: Bored chemist on 03/06/2007 12:16:59

What are you on about?

Title: lewis structure
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 03/06/2007 15:50:58

Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion, eh? I wonder why he would want that for hyperchlorate.  [???]

Title: lewis structure
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 03/06/2007 15:53:36

You could try here...

http://winter.group.shef.ac.uk/chemputer/vsepr.html (http://winter.group.shef.ac.uk/chemputer/vsepr.html)

Title: lewis structure
Post by: DrDick on 03/06/2007 19:17:08

Quote from: eli345414 on 03/06/2007 10:58:07

I could like to know how to draw a lewis or VSEPR structure for CLO5 ( A kind of chlorate) URGENT PLIZ!!!!

Are you sure about that formula?  Never heard of it.  ClO₄^– (perchlorate) ion maybe?

As a rule,
1) stick the unique atom in the center, then bond it to the surrounding atoms with single bonds. 
2) Add electrons as necessary to give all atoms an octet (or duet for H)
3) Check electron count of structure and compare it to a count of valence electrons for atoms present (6 for O, 7 for Cl).  If they match, you're done.
4) If the structure has too many electrons, lower the electron count by removing two adjacent lone pairs and changing that single bond to a double bond (or a double bond to a triple bond)
5) Return to step 3.

If your valence electron count is an odd number, this procedure won't give you octets around all atoms.  Some atom (usually N) will have to have an odd number of electrons.

Dick

Title: lewis structure
Post by: Bored chemist on 03/06/2007 20:12:54

I know what vsepr is; it's CLO5 that I'm puzzled about. You would need to convince me that it existed before I'd bother with a Lewis structure for it.