# How can I draw the Lewis structure for CO_2?

How can I draw the Lewis structure for CO_2?

          You follow a sequence of steps.                                     <h4 class=answerHeader>Explanation:</h4>                                      Here are the steps that I follow when drawing a Lewis structure. <strong>1. </strong> Decide which is the central atom in the structure.  That will normally be the least electronegative atom (<mathjax>%C%</mathjax>). <strong>2. </strong> Draw a skeleton structure in which the other atoms are single-bonded to the central atom:<img alt=enter image source here src=https://useruploads. socratic. org/JFpSd9V4TO6uRRx4LHfP_Trial%20Skeleton. jpg></img> <strong>3. </strong> Draw a trial structure by putting electron pairs around every atom until each gets an octet. <img alt=enter image source here src=https://useruploads. socratic. org/b3Szocb3QzuNUwKY0R55_Trial. jpg></img> <strong>4. </strong> Count the valence electrons in your trial structure (20). <strong>5. </strong> Now count the valence electrons you actually have available.  <mathjax>%1C + 2O = 1×4 + 2×6 = 16%</mathjax>. The trial structure has four electrons too many. We need to insert either a triple bond or two double bonds. <strong>6. </strong> Draw new trial structures, this time inserting the extra bonds. There are three possibilities:<img alt=enter image source here src=https://useruploads. socratic. org/yaIMM8LWST2Ss7k1Ixcq_New%20Trials. jpg></img> <strong>7. </strong> As before, add valence electrons to give each atom an octet:<img alt=enter image source here src=https://useruploads. socratic. org/D9DR0eYvTfODrvArj4n8_New%20with%20Octets. jpg></img> <strong>8. </strong> Calculate the formal charge on each atom. <img alt=enter image source here src=https://useruploads. socratic. org/e46Cnp0NTO2Oh2cYciMJ_FCs. jpg></img> <strong>9. </strong> The “best” Lewis structure is one in which has the fewest formal charges. The first structure has no formal charges, so the best Lewis structure for <mathjax>%CO_2%</mathjax> is<img alt=figures. boundless. com src=https://figures. boundless. com/29896/large/Lewis_carbon_dioxide. gif></img>