Draw the Lewis structure for ethylamine $(C_2H_7N)$. Ethylamine molecules have one amino group. Be certain you include any lone pairs.
Answer (2)
Determine the connectivity of the atoms in ethylamine.
Calculate the total number of valence electrons: 2 ( 4 ) + 7 ( 1 ) + 1 ( 5 ) = 20 .
Draw single bonds between atoms, using 18 electrons.
Place the remaining 2 electrons as a lone pair on the nitrogen atom. The Lewis structure is now complete.
Explanation
Understanding the Problem We want to draw the Lewis structure for ethylamine ( C 2 H 7 N ), making sure to include all lone pairs. Ethylamine has one amino group, which means a nitrogen atom is bonded to the carbon chain.
Determining Connectivity First, let's determine how the atoms are connected. We have two carbon atoms connected to each other. One of the carbon atoms is connected to the nitrogen atom, forming the amino group. The hydrogen atoms are then connected to the carbon and nitrogen atoms to satisfy their valencies.
Calculating Valence Electrons Next, we need to calculate the total number of valence electrons. Carbon has 4 valence electrons, hydrogen has 1, and nitrogen has 5. So, the total number of valence electrons is: 2 × 4 + 7 × 1 + 1 × 5 = 8 + 7 + 5 = 20 Thus, we have 20 valence electrons to work with.
Drawing Single Bonds Now, let's draw single bonds between each pair of atoms. We have a C-C bond, a C-N bond, two C-H bonds on one carbon, three C-H bonds on the other carbon, and two N-H bonds. This gives us a total of 9 single bonds. Each single bond uses 2 electrons, so we've used 9 × 2 = 18 electrons.
Adding Lone Pairs We have 20 − 18 = 2 electrons remaining. These will form a lone pair on the nitrogen atom to complete its octet.
Verification Finally, let's verify that each atom has a complete octet (or duet for hydrogen). Each carbon atom has 4 bonds, so it has 8 electrons. The nitrogen atom has 3 bonds and one lone pair, so it has 8 electrons. Each hydrogen atom has 1 bond, so it has 2 electrons. The Lewis structure is complete.
Final Lewis Structure The Lewis structure for ethylamine ( C 2 H 7 N ) has two carbon atoms single bonded to each other. One carbon atom has three hydrogen atoms bonded to it. The other carbon atom has two hydrogen atoms bonded to it and is also bonded to a nitrogen atom. The nitrogen atom has two hydrogen atoms bonded to it and one lone pair.
Examples
Understanding Lewis structures is crucial in chemistry for predicting molecular shapes and properties. For example, knowing the Lewis structure of ethylamine helps predict its reactivity in chemical reactions, such as its ability to act as a base due to the lone pair on the nitrogen atom. This knowledge is essential in designing and understanding chemical processes in various fields, including pharmaceuticals and materials science.
The Lewis structure for ethylamine (C₂H₇N) includes two carbon atoms bonded to a nitrogen atom, which has two hydrogen atoms and a lone pair. To draw the structure, we calculate the total of 20 valence electrons, create bonds, and use leftover electrons for the lone pair on nitrogen. The structure is vital for understanding the molecule's chemical behavior.
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