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Multiple Choice
Which is the best Lewis structure for acetic acid, CH3COOH?
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Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the molecular formula of acetic acid, which is CH3COOH.
Determine the total number of valence electrons. Carbon has 4 valence electrons, hydrogen has 1, and oxygen has 6. Calculate the total: 2 carbons (2x4) + 4 hydrogens (4x1) + 2 oxygens (2x6) = 24 valence electrons.
Construct the skeleton structure. Connect the atoms with single bonds: CH3 group bonded to a carbonyl group (C=O) and an OH group.
Distribute the remaining valence electrons to satisfy the octet rule. Start by completing the octets of the outer atoms (oxygen atoms) and then the central carbon atom.
Check the formal charges on each atom. The best Lewis structure will have the lowest possible formal charges, ideally zero, and the negative charge, if any, should reside on the most electronegative atom.