Chapter 10, Problem 10.23P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The net ionic reaction of molten beryllium chloride with chloride ion from molten $\text{NaCl}$ to form ${\text{BeCl}}_4^{2-}$ ion with Lewis structures is to be determined.

Concept introduction:

To draw the Lewis structure of the molecule following steps are used.

Step 1: Find the central atom and place the other atoms around it. The atom in a compound which has the lowest group number or lowest electronegativity considered as the central atom.

Step 2: Calculate the total number of valence electrons.

Step 3: Connect the other atoms around the central atoms to the central atom with a single bond and lower the value of valence electrons by 2 of every single bond.

Step 4: Allocate the remaining electrons in pairs so that each atom can get 8 electrons.