Chapter 8, Problem 87A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The electron dot structure for formic acid needs to be drawn to explain the bonding between atoms.

Concept Introduction: An electron dot structure represents the arrangement of total valence electrons in a molecule. Here, electrons are represented as dots in pairs around the symbol of atoms of the molecule.

Explanation of Solution

The given compound is formic acid with a formula ${\text{H}}_{\text{2}}{\text{CO}}_2$ . Here, the number of valence electrons in C, H, and O atoms is 4, 1, and 6 respectively. The total number of valence electrons in the compound will be:

  $\begin{array}{c}2\left(1\right)+4+2\left(6\right)=2+4+12\\ =18\end{array}$

The arrangement of electrons around the atoms in a compound can be represented as follows:

  

From the above electron dot structure, it can be seen that the carbon atom is the central atom and one hydrogen atom, and both oxygen atoms are bonded to it. Here, one hydrogen atom is not bonded directly with carbon atom, it is bonded with an oxygen atom.