Senior

High School

General Chemistry 1
Module 10
Lewis Structure of Molecular
Covalent Compound

AIRs - LM
LU_General Chemistry1_Module10
STEM - GENERAL CHEMISTRY 1
Quarter 2 - Module 10: Lewis Structure of Molecular Covalent
Compound Second Edition, 2021

Copyright © 2021
La Union Schools Division
Region I

All rights reserved. No part of this module may be reproduced in any form without
written permission from the copyright owners.

Development Team of the Module

Author: Elvira A. Delmendo

Editor: SDO La Union, Learning Resource Quality Assurance
Team
Content Reviewer: Alona A. Corpuz
Language Reviewer: Efren G. Orcas
Illustrator: Ernesto F. Ramos Jr.

Management Team:

Atty. Donato D. Balderas Jr.

Schools Division Superintendent
Vivian Luz S. Pagatpatan, PhD
Assistant Schools Division Superintendent
German E. Flora, PhD, CID Chief
Virgilio C. Boado, PhD, EPS in Charge of LRMS
Rominel S. Sobremonte, EdD, EPS in Charge of
Science Michael Jason D. Morales, PDO II
Claire P. Toluyen, Librarian II

Printed in the Philippines by:

Department of Education – SDO La Union

Office Address: Flores St. Catbangen, San Fernando City, La
Union Telefax: 072 – 205 – 0046
Email Address: [email protected]
 Senior High School

General Chemistry 1
Module 10
Lewis Structure of Molecular
Covalent Compound
Introductory Message
This Self-Learning Module (SLM) is prepared so that you, our dear
learners, can continue your studies and learn while at home. Activities,
questions, directions, exercises, and discussions are carefully stated for you
to understand each lesson.

Each SLM is composed of different parts. Each part shall guide you
step-by-step as you discover and understand the lesson prepared for you.

Pre-tests are provided to measure your prior knowledge on lessons in

each SLM. This will tell you if you need to proceed on completing this
module or if you need to ask your facilitator or your teacher’s assistance for
better understanding of the lesson. At the end of each module, you need to
answer the post-test to self-check your learning. Answer keys are provided
for each activity and test. We trust that you will be honest in using these.

In addition to the material in the main text, Notes to the Teacher are
also provided to our facilitators and parents for strategies and reminders on
how they can best help you on your home-based learning.

Please use this module with care. Do not put unnecessary marks on
any part of this SLM. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the
exercises and tests. And read the instructions carefully before performing
each task.

If you have any questions in using this SLM or any difficulty in

answering the tasks in this module, do not hesitate to consult your teacher
or facilitator.

Thank you.
 Target

The Lewis structure of a molecule shows how the valence electrons are
arranged among the atoms in the molecule. These representations are named
after Gilbert Newton Lewis. In writing Lewis structures, the rule is that only the
valence electrons are included, using dots to represent electrons. The general
concept is that atoms make use of their valence electrons in chemical bonding. Since,
the outermost electrons are the ones that are highest in energy and farthest from
the nucleus and are therefore the ones that are most exposed to other atoms
when bonds form.
Covalent bond is the result of the sharing of electrons between two atoms
which can be achieved in two ways: First is, the sharing of electrons between
atoms of the same kind (examples: of H2, Cl2, O2, etc.). Second, the sharing of
electrons between atoms of different kind (Examples: CH4, H2O, NH3, etc.).
Covalent compounds are composed of two or more different nonmetal atoms. It is
represented by electron-dot (circles or dots) or Lewis formulas. An electron pair (:)
or a dash between two atoms represents a covalent bond. When the two atoms
share one pair of electrons, as in H2, the bond is called a single bond, when two
pairs are shared, as in O2, it is called double bond. When they share three pairs,
as in N2, it is called triple bond.
In a molecule, there is a central atom (C) that holds all other atoms. The
atoms attached to it are called bonded atoms (B). Valence electrons of the central
atom that do not participate in molecule formation are called lone pairs (L). Lone
pairs of electrons affect the geometry of molecules. Many physical and chemical
properties such as boiling points and density of molecules are affected by the way
atoms are arranged. The arrangement of atoms in a molecule is called the
geometry of molecules.
This Learning Material will provide you simple problem-solving strategy,
activities and simple exercises on drawing the Lewis structure of some covalent
compounds then, the geometry of the simple compounds will be described.

Most Essential Learning Competencies

After going through this module, you are expected to:
A. draw Lewis structure of molecular covalent compounds
(STEM_GC11CBIId- g-78); and
B. describe the geometry of simple compounds (STEM_GC11CBIId-g-81).
.
Learning Objective
At the end of the module, you are expected to use the VSEPR model to predict
molecular geometries

Ahhaaa!!! Before you proceed to the lesson proper, you need to

find out how much you know about the topic and you will be guided
on what to be focused on. Take it easy! Good luck!!!

1 LU_General
Chemistry1_Module10
 Jumpstart

Individual molecules cannot be easily studied. The mass of an atom in a

molecule does not change nor the identities of the individual atoms. An
oxygen atom in water is the same oxygen atom in sugar, or in any number
of other compounds.

Activity 1: Pre-test!

A. Direction: Match the covalent compounds below by choosing the correct

Lewis structure in the box. Write your answer on a separate sheet
by writing the LETTER only.

1. Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4)

2. Ammonia (NH3)
3. Phosphorus trichloride (PCl3)
4. Water (H2O)
5. Methane (CH4)

CHOICES
A. B. C.

D. E. F.

G. H. I.

2 LU_General
Chemistry1_Module10
B. Direction: Read the questions very well and choose the LETTER of the
correct answer. Use a separate sheet to write your answers.

6. Which of the following choices is represented by a covalent bond

electron/s?
A. a single shared C. a pair of transferred
B. a pair of shared D. a pair of unshared
7. How many covalent bonds can oxygen form?
A. two B. three C. four D. six
8. How do you describe the shape of carbon dioxide?
A. linear B. octahedral C. tetrahedral D. trigonal planar
9. What shape is formed when there are 4 electron pairs in a certain
covalent compound?
A. linear B. planar C. tetrahedral D. trigonal
10. What shape is formed by a chemical compound with120o bond angle
having 3 electron pairs?
A. linear B. octahedral C. tetrahedral D. trigonal planar
11. What is the bond angle of a linear structure of a covalent compound?
A. 90o B. 109.5o C. 120o D. 180o

*For numbers 12-15: How will you describe the geometrical shape formed
by the given Lewis structures of compounds below?

Select your answer from these choices:

A. bent B. linear C. tetrahedral D. trigonal pyramidal

12.

13.

14.

15.

Just enjoy and take enough time in answering the activities in

this module. Don’t worry if you cannot give the correct answer yet in
the Pre-test. It will serve you as a guide on what to focus and study
on in this module.

3 LU_General
Chemistry1_Module10
 Discover

GUIDE IN WRITING THE LEWIS STRUCTURES

OF SOME COVALENT COMPOUNDS
Let us consider the following steps:

1. Determine the total valence electrons of the atoms in the molecule.

Before we give the total valence electrons, let us review how valence
electrons are determined in each element.

Example element: Oxygen, O2

 Use the periodic table of elements to find out the atomic number of the elements.
In the given example, the atomic number of Oxygen is 8.
 Next is to do the electronic configuration:
2 2 4
8O – 1s 2s 2p , to illustrate this using the Bohr Model would look like this:
Note: Valence electron is
2 6 valence electrons the electron found at the
outermost energy level
or known as the valence
shell.

Now that you know how to get the valence electron, you are ready to draw the
Lewis-Dot structure of the element, it looks like this:

How many dots are there?

If your answer is 6, that
number represents the
number of valence
electron.

What about for molecules? Polyatomic anions and for polyatomic cations?
How will you determine their valence electrons?
Note:
For molecules – sum all valence electrons for all the atoms
For polyatomic anions - add the number of negative charges
For polyatomic cations - subtract the number of positive charges

For example:
CO2

(4 x 1) (6 x 2)
The sum is: 4+12 = 16 valence electrons
4 LU_General
Chemistry1_Module10
Try this: NH4 - What is the total number of valence electrons?

2. Choose the central atom, it is usually the least electronegative element in

the compound and it is usually the first atom in the molecular formula or
the atom with higher covalency. Write the sequential arrangement of the
atoms in a molecule, (the so called skeleton). Chemists usually list this
2−
central atom first in the chemical formula (as in CCl4 and CO3 , which both
have C as the central atom), which is another clue to the compound’s
structure. Hydrogen and the halogens are almost always connected to only
one other atom, so they are usually terminal rather than central.

For example:

Note: N is the central atom.

3. Draw dots around the atoms and in between the elements or atoms in the
skeleton formula to distribute the electrons.

Note: A dash (-) is used to connect two dots which represents the covalent bond
between two atoms. The dots are arranged to satisfy the Octet Rule (with eight
valence electrons in each atom/element), but hydrogen has two only.

Example: Note: The valence electron of hydrogen

is one, so it needs another one atom of
H to share the valence electron and to
become stable. Thereby, it satisfies the
octet rule. Connect the two dots to
form a single bond.
and o, it looks this way:
H H

4. If there are not enough electrons to give eight electrons to each atom (except
hydrogen), shift unbonded electrons as necessary, or change single bonds to
double or triple bonds.

5. Finally, count the electrons to verify the total number of electrons

distributed around each atom to satisfy the duet rule for hydrogen and octet
rule for the second-row elements but there are exceptions to the rule.

You are great! Now, that you are familiar on how to draw
the Lewis structure of the covalent compounds, let us connect
the lesson to another topic which is to describe the geometrical
shapes of some simple compounds. Get ready and enjoy the
next activity!

5 LU_General
Chemistry1_Module10
 How do we predict the shapes of the molecules?

The shape of molecules can be predicted by the combination of the Lewis theory and
VSEPR theory. VSEPR (pronounce as vesper) model means valence shell
electron-pair repulsion model. It is formed from molecules of nonmetals.

Steps in Applying VSEPR Model

1. Draw the Lewis structure for the molecule.

For example: BeCl2, Beryllium chloride

Find the valence electron of Be, Beryllium and Cl, Chlorine

2 2
4Be – 1s 2s valence electron = 2

2 2 6 2 5
17Cl – 1s 2s 2p 3s 3p valence electron = 2 + 5 = 7

What is the central atom (A)?

A or the central atom is Be

X or the terminal atom is Cl

Now, combine the two elements to become compound.

Note:
A line represents bonding electrons, but what do you observe with the electron
of Beryllium? Is there a missing piece? Yes, there is a need to add another chlorine
to share its electron and become stable.

So, it becomes like this:

2. Count the electron pairs and arrange them to minimize repulsion by putting
the pairs as far apart as possible.
3. Determine the positions of the atoms from the way the electron pairs are
shared.
4. Name the molecular structure from the positions of the atoms.

6 LU_General
Chemistry1_Module10
 Let us study Table 1 of the electron pair repulsion model to predict the
shape of some covalent compounds.

The table below gives the common molecular shapes. In this table we use A to
represent the central atom, X to represent the terminal atoms (i.e. the atoms
around the central atom) and E to represent any lone pairs.
Table 1. Common Molecular Shapes

Number of
bonding Number Geometry General Bond Angle
electron pairs Formula (degrees)
of lone
pairs
1 or 2 0 linear AX or AX2 180
2 2 bent or angular AX2E2 109.5
3 0 trigonal planar AX3 120
3 1 trigonal AX3E 109.5
pyramidal
4 0 tetrahedral AX4 109.5
5 0 trigonal AX5 90,
bipyramidal 120
6 0 octahedral AX6 90
Source:https://intl.siyavula.com/read/science/grade-11/atomic-combinations/03-atomic-com
binations-02#fig:shapes

Additional Information:

 The term electron-pair geometry is the name of the geometry of the electron-
pair/groups/domains on the central atom, whether they are bonding or non-
bonding. It provides a guide to the bond angles of between a terminal-central-
terminal atom in a compound. Molecular geometry is the name of the geometry
used to describe the shape of a molecule. So, when asked to describe the shape of
a molecule we must respond with a molecular geometry. If asked for the
electron-pair geometry on the central atom we must respond with the
electron-pair geometry. To determine the shape (molecular geometry) of a
molecule you must write the Lewis structure and determine the number of
bonding groups of electrons and the number of non-bonding pairs of electrons
on the central atom, then use the associated name for that shape.

Guide Questions:
1. In the example given above (BeCl2, Beryllium chloride) what do you think is the
number of bonding electron pairs? If your answer is two, you are correct!
2. Is there a lone pair? The correct answer must be, there is no lone pair.
3. Can you give the general formula formed? The answer is AX2.
4. Can you describe the geometric shape of BeCl2, based from your answers on
the given questions above? Very good! The answer is linear.

7 LU_General
Chemistry1_Module10
Note: To familiarize yourself on the different geometric shapes, study the figures
below.

Figure 1. The common molecular shapes.

Source: https://intl.siyavula.com/read/science/grade-11/atomic-combinations/03-
atomic-combinations-02

Figure 2. The common molecular shapes in 3-D.

Source: https://intl.siyavula.com/read/science/grade-11/atomiccombinations/03-atomic-
combinations-02

YOU ARE DOING WELL! Just continue with the activities on the next part of
this Learning Material! Come on!

8 LU_General
Chemistry1_Module10
 Explore

Activity 2: It’s Drawing Time!

Direction: Complete the table below by drawing the Lewis structure of the given
atoms and compounds. Write your answer on a separate paper.
Covalent Central Atom Terminal Atom Lewis structure of the
Compound compound

BeCl2

PCl5

BF3

NH3

CH4

SF6

9 LU_General
Chemistry1_Module10
 Deepen

Activity 3: The Illusion!

Direction: Complete the table below to describe the shape of the molecular
compounds. You may refer to the table shown above. Write your answers
on a separate paper.

Covalent Bonding Nonbonding General Shape

Compound Formula
Example
: 2 0 A linear
BeCl2 X2

H2O

BF3

NH3

CH4

SF6

Note: The bonding electrons are the shared electron pair while the nonbonding
electrons are the lone pairs (electrons not involved in the formation of bonds). In
the example, Be is the central atom surrounded by two bonding electrons and with
no lone pairs. So, the general formula is AX2. In order to describe the shape, you
may use table 1 to guide you in describing the shape of the molecular compounds.

CONGRATULATIONS for doing the activities well!!! Let’s check how

much you gained from the different activities you’ve done by
answering the questions on the next page. Goodluck and give your
best!

10 LU_General
Chemistry1_Module10
 Gauge

Direction: Read the questions properly with understanding. Answer the questions
correctly by writing the LETTER on the prepared answer sheet.

1. A covalent molecule has three bonding electron pairs and one lone pair.
The molecule has a general formula of AX3E. Which of the following choices is the
correct shape of the molecule?
A. linear B. planar C. tetrahedral D. trigonal pyramidal
2. What is the shape of methane, CH4?

A. octahedral B. planar C. tetrahedral D. trigonal pyramidal

3. What is the shape of the molecule that looks like the figure below?

A. bent B. octahedral C. tetrahedral D. trigonal planar

4. Which of the following choices is represented by a covalent bond electron/s?
A. a single shared B. a pair of transferred
C. a pair of shared D. a pair of unshared
5. How many covalent bonds can carbon form?
A. 2 B. 3 C. 4 D. 6
6. What is the shape of carbon dioxide, CO2?
A. linear B. octahedral C. tetrahedral D. trigonal planar
7. What shape is formed when there are two electron pairs in a certain covalent
compound?
A. linear B. planar C. tetrahedral D. trigonal
o
8. What shape is formed by a chemical compound with 109.5 bond angle having 2
electron pairs and 2 lone pairs?
A. bent B. octahedral C. tetrahedral D. trigonal Planar
9. What is the bond angle of an octahedral structure of a covalent compound?
A. 90o B. 109.5o C. 120o D. 180o
10. Your teacher asked you to draw the Lewis structure of a trigonal planar molecule.
Which of the following should you draw?
A. B. C. D.

11. Which of the following geometric shapes has one lone pair of electrons?
A. octahedral B. tetrahedral
C. trigonal planar D. trigonal pyramidal

11 LU_General
Chemistry1_Module10
*For numbers 12 to 15, choose your answers from the given choices below:

A. B. C. D.

12. Which one shows trigonal planar?

13. Which shows the molecular structure of water, H2O?
14. Which has an angle of 120o?
15. What is the Lewis model of a molecule with a general formula of AB3E?

Wow!!! Congratulations for giving your best and

for accomplishing the Learning Materials enjoyably!

12 LU_General
Chemistry1_Module10
13 LU_General Chemistry
1_Module10
References
Printed Materials

Ilao, Luciana V., et.al. General Chemistry 1.Rex Bookstore, Inc. (Sta. Mesa
Heights Quezon City: SD Publications, Inc., 2001), 194-219.

Brown, Theodore L. Chemistry the Cental Science. (Person Education Asia.

Pte.Ltd, 2002), 278-314.

Caiquet, Rolando I., et.al. Chemistry III. St. agustine Publications, Inc.
(1624-1626 Espaňa cor. Don Quijote St., Sampaloc, Manila) pp.
120-125.

Dorin, Henry (1982). Chemistry the Study of Matter. (Newton, Massachusetts.

CEBCO, A Division of Allyn and Bacon, Inc., 1982), 202.

Espaňa, Rebecca N., et. al. Abiva Publishing House, Inc. Abiva Bldg.,
851-881 G. Araneta Ave., Quezon City.pp. 110-119.

Mapa, Amelia P. et. al. Chemistry Textbook Science and Technology. (Sta.
Mesa Heights Quezon City: SD Publications, Inc., 2001), 120-131.

Zumdhal, Steven S. Chemistry An atoms First approach.2012 brooks/Cole,

Cengage Learning.pp. 169-201.

Websites

https://byjus.com/jee/covalent-bond/

https://byjus.com/chemistry/ammonia/

https://byjus.com/chemistry/methane/

https://socratic.org/questions/56ce891511ef6b034654fc53

https://2012books.lardbucket.org/books/principles-of-general-chemistry-
v1.0m/s13-molecular-geometry-and-covalen.html

https://www.angelo.edu/faculty/kboudrea/general/shapes/00_lewis.htm#
Covalen tBonds

https://intl.siyavula.com/read/science/grade-11/atomic-combinations/03
- atomic-combinations-02

http://intro.chem.okstate.edu/1314F00/Lecture/Chapter10/VSEPR.ht
ml

http://www.tutor-homework.com/Chemistry_Help/Molecular_Geometry/006_
Phosphorus_Pentachlor ide_PCl5.html

14 LU_General Chemistry
1_Module10
https://geometryofmolecules.com/bf3-lewis-structure-hybridization-and-po
larity/

http://www.tutor-homework.com/Chemistry_Help/Molecular_Geometry/030_
Ammonia_NH3.html

http://www.tutor-

homework.com/Chemistry_Help/Molecular_Geometry/027_Methane_CH4.html

https://www.google.com/search?q=sf6+structural+formula&rlz=1C1GCEA

15 LU_General Chemistry
1_Module10
 For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education – SDO La

Union Curriculum Implementation
Division Learning Resource
Management Section
Flores St. Catbangen, San Fernando City La Union 2500
Telephone: (072) 607 - 8127
Telefax: (072) 205 - 0046
Email Address:
[email protected]
[email protected]

16 LU_General Chemistry
1_Module10