Organic Chemistry Chapter 1: Lewis Structures

Flashcards covering key definitions and concepts from the introductory lecture on Lewis structures for organic chemistry, including octet rules, bond types, and drawing steps.

Organic Chemistry

The study of carbon-containing compounds, often found in living systems.

Inorganic Chemistry

Deals with all elements other than carbon-containing compounds.

Valence Electrons

Electrons in the outermost shell of an atom, determining its bonding behavior.

Typical Number of Bonds (Halogens)

Halogens typically make one bond to achieve a filled octet (7 valence electrons, 1 short).

Typical Number of Bonds (Oxygen)

Oxygen typically makes two bonds to achieve a filled octet (6 valence electrons, 2 short).

Typical Number of Bonds (Nitrogen)

Nitrogen typically makes three bonds to achieve a filled octet (5 valence electrons, 3 short).

Typical Number of Bonds (Carbon)

Carbon typically makes four bonds to achieve a filled octet (4 valence electrons, 4 short).

Octet Rule

The tendency of main group atoms to achieve eight valence electrons in their outermost shell through bonding for stability.

Expanded Octet

An exception to the octet rule where elements from the third period and lower can accommodate more than eight valence electrons due to the availability of d subshells.

Under the Octet Rule

An exception where certain atoms (like Hydrogen, Beryllium, Boron, Aluminum) are stable with fewer than eight valence electrons.

Ionic Bond

A chemical bond formed between a metal and a non-metal through the complete transfer of one or more valence electrons, resulting in oppositely charged ions.

Covalent Bond

A chemical bond formed between two non-metals through the sharing of one or more pairs of valence electrons.

Lewis Structure Drawing Step 1

Count the total number of valence electrons for all atoms in the molecule.

Lewis Structure Drawing Step 2

Determine the central atom(s) (typically the least electronegative, not hydrogen, or forming the most bonds) and set up a skeleton with single bonds.

Lewis Structure Drawing Step 3

Fill the octets of the outside atoms first (hydrogen wants 2, others typically 8).

Lewis Structure Drawing Step 4

Place any remaining electrons as lone pairs on the central atom(s).

Lewis Structure Drawing Step 5

If the central atom(s) do not have a filled octet after placing lone pairs, convert lone pairs from outer atoms into double or triple bonds with the central atom.

Condensed Formula

A simplified way of writing molecular structures that indicates atoms bonded to each carbon without explicitly showing all covalent bonds, often seen in organic chemistry (e.g., CH3CHO).