Question

what is the correct lewis structure for ch4o

Explanation:

Step1: Determine valence electrons

Carbon (C) has 4 valence electrons, hydrogen (H) has 1 valence electron, and oxygen (O) has 6 valence electrons. For $CH_4O$, total valence electrons = $4+(4\times1)+6 = 14$.

Step2: Identify central atom

Carbon is the central atom as it can form more bonds than hydrogen and oxygen.

Step3: Connect atoms and distribute electrons

Connect the carbon to 3 hydrogens with single - bonds (using 6 electrons), connect the oxygen to the carbon with a single - bond (using 2 electrons), and connect the oxygen to a hydrogen with a single - bond (using 2 electrons). Then place the remaining 4 electrons as two lone pairs on the oxygen atom. The correct Lewis structure is $H-\underset{\underset{H}{\mid}}{C}-\ddot{O}-H$.

Answer:

The first option (the structure $H-\underset{\underset{H}{\mid}}{C}-\ddot{O}-H$)