Chapter 5, Problem 5.3YT

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The Lewis structure for ${\text{PCl}}_3$ is to be drawn.

Concept introduction:

The number of valence electrons of the atom is equal to the group number of the periodic table to which it belongs. Bonding atoms attain stable electronic configuration, which generally has eight electrons in the valence shell.

The steps for drawing a covalent Lewis structure are as follows:

Write the skeletal structure of the molecule.

Atom that have the lowest electronegativity will be the central atom.

Add the number of valence electrons of each of the atoms in the molecule to determine the total number of electrons in the molecule.

Place the electrons as dots to complete the octets of the atoms.

If the central atom has not obtained an octet, multiple bonds can be formed.