Lewis structures are drawn using a simplified novel method with the following features: 1) the atoms used are brought in carrying all their valence electrons; 2) bonds are created by pairing up valence electrons between the central atoms and peripheric atoms; 3) anions are formed by addition of electrons to single electrons on appropriate atoms, while cations are formed by removal of single electrons. This method yields structures with the lowest formal charges on any given atom. As a result, the traditional steps to count the total number of valence electrons and to calculate the formal charge on each atom in a structure is bypassed. The method is intended for use by non-chemistry majors primarily in two-year colleges.
More Information
Citation
Miburo, Barnabe B. J. Chem. Educ.1998 75 317.
Keywords
Curriculum, Teaching/Learning Theory/Practice, Non-major courses, Teaching/Learning Aids
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