White phosphorous has the chemical formula p4 (s). a p4 molecule has 20 valence electrons. draw a lewis formula for a white phosphorous molecule in which none of the atoms violates the octet rule and the formal charge on each atom is zero. there are no pi bonds in the structure.

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Chemistry

Rosales

21 July, 10:17

White phosphorous has the chemical formula p4 (s). a p4 molecule has 20 valence electrons. draw a lewis formula for a white phosphorous molecule in which none of the atoms violates the octet rule and the formal charge on each atom is zero. there are no pi bonds in the structure.

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Steven Oliver · Answer 1

The Lewis structure of P₄ is shown in 3-D form. The two bottom corner P atoms are facing right in front of us, one P atom behind the two, and one P above it. Each line represents 2 electrons. When you add the lone electrons, you get a total of 20 valence electrons.

Formal charge of each P: 5 - (2 + 1/2*6) = 0