Question

What is the Lewis structure for CH3CH(CH3)CH2CHO?

Answer 1

First count total valence electrons in the given atoms = 5* 4 + 10*1+1*6 = 36 e-

Since this is a organic molecule it will have Carbons as central atoms so first write all the carbons. Leave the carbon which is in parenthsis. The CH₃ in parenthesis indicates a branch not a central atom.

C-C-C-C

Now we know the carbon has 4 valency electrons so it can form 4 bonds. But on the first carbon we have O

and H, So the structure looks like

all the valence electrons are shown in the structure.

But Here First C has no octet configuration so let us a move a pair electrons from O to C. Thus Lewis structure of given molecule is formed