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Homework: Lewis Diagrams
plus VSEPR Shapes

For the molecules on this page

  1. Write the name or formula, whichever is missing.
  2. Write down the total number of valence electrons.
  3. Draw the Lewis diagram showing the structure of the molecule.
  4. Write down the 3-D shape or shapes. Molecules may have more than
    one central atom; name a shape for each one.

The shapes will all fall into these categories: linear, trigonal planar, bent, tetrahedral, or trigonal pyramidal.

Hints: If the central atom is a metal it is likely to have fewer electrons in the correct molecule than an octet. If the central atom is C, N, O, or F then it must have an octet. If the central atom is P, As, S, Se, Te, Cl, Br, or I then sometimes it may have greater than an octet in the final, correct molecule.

Do your work neatly on the back of this sheet and on additional paper, as needed.

Part I

  1. CO
  2. BF3
  3. CH4 (methane)
  4. NH3
  5. O3 (ozone)
  6. H2O
  7. CO2
  8. H2S
  9. NO2– (nitrite)
  10. O2
  11. HCl
  12. AlBr3
  13. CCl2F2 (dichloro-difluoromethane)
  14. NF3
  15. ClO3– (chlorate)
  1. HCN (hydrogen cyanide)
  2. CH3OH (methanol)
  3. H3O+ (hydronium)
  4. OF2
  5. BeCl2
  6. CH2O (formaldehyde)
  7. SiH4
  8. SO32– (sulfite)
  9. ClO2– (chlorite)
  10. H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide)
  11. CO32– (carbonate)
  12. NH4+ (ammonium)
  13. PO43– (phosphate)
  14. AsI3
  15. Cl2

Part II

  1. carbon tetrachloride
  2. phosphorous trihydride
  3. sulfur trioxide
  4. sulfur dioxide
  5. hydrogen monofluoride
  6. germanium tetrabromide
  7. nitrogen triiodide
  1. oxygen dichloride
  2. phosphorous trichloride
  3. dioxygen difluoride
  4. magnesium difluoride
  5. aluminum trichloride
  6. nitrogen
  7. iodine
Solutions to the Molecular Names and Lewis Structures exercises
Last updated: Feb 01, 2023       Home