Question

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as\ values and number of bonds for hocl are as follows: n = 18, a = 14, s = 4, bonds = 2 what is the correct lewis structure for hypochlorous acid, hocl? hint: oxygen is the central atom.

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze the first structure

In the first structure, hydrogen has 2 electrons (satisfies the duet rule), oxygen has 8 electrons (satisfies the octet rule), and chlorine has 6 electrons (does not satisfy the octet rule).

Step2: Analyze the second structure

In the second structure, hydrogen has 2 electrons (satisfies the duet rule), oxygen has 8 electrons (satisfies the octet rule), and chlorine has 8 electrons (satisfies the octet rule).

Step3: Analyze the third structure

In the third structure, hydrogen has 1 electron (does not satisfy the duet rule), oxygen has 8 electrons (satisfies the octet rule), and chlorine has 8 electrons (satisfies the octet rule).

Answer:

The second structure (with hydrogen having 2 electrons, oxygen having 8 electrons, and chlorine having 8 electrons) is the correct Lewis structure for hypochlorous acid (HOCl).