Lewis Structure

CH2O Lewis Structure

Formaldehyde

CH2O has carbon in the center with two C-H bonds and one C=O double bond.

Use the diagram and steps below to check the formaldehyde Lewis structure, CH2O Lewis dot structure, valence electrons, formal charges, and molecular shape.

CH2O

Formaldehyde

12 e-
C O H H
Valence electrons12
Central atomC
GeometryTrigonal planar around C
Bond angleAbout 120 deg
PolarityPolar
Electron geometryTrigonal planar around C

VSEPR Geometry

Molecular geometry Trigonal planar around C
Electron geometry Trigonal planar around C
Bond angle About 120 deg
Polarity Polar
Valence electrons 12
Bonding / lone pairs 3 / 0 around C
Central atom C
Electron regions 3

How to Draw CH2O: Step-by-Step

1

Parse the molecular formula

CH2O -> C, H, H, O

The molecule contains one carbon atom, two hydrogen atoms, and one oxygen atom.

2

Count total valence electrons

4 + 1 + 1 + 6 = 12

Carbon contributes 4 electrons, hydrogen contributes 1 each, and oxygen contributes 6.

3

Choose the central atom

Central atom: C

Hydrogen must be terminal, and carbon can connect to both hydrogens and oxygen.

4

Draw the skeleton

H-C-H and C-O

Start with single bonds from carbon to the two hydrogens and to oxygen.

5

Form the double bond

H2C=O

A C=O double bond completes carbon's octet, and oxygen keeps two lone pairs.

6

Final answer

The CH2O Lewis structure has carbon in the center with two C-H single bonds, one C=O double bond, and two lone pairs on oxygen.

Formal Charges

AtomFormal charge
C0
O0
H0 each

Common Mistakes

  • Hydrogen atoms cannot be central.
  • Carbon needs four total bonds in the final structure.

FAQ

What is the Lewis structure for CH2O?

The CH2O Lewis structure has carbon in the center with two C-H single bonds, one C=O double bond, and two lone pairs on oxygen.

What is the Lewis dot structure for CH2O?

The Lewis dot structure for CH2O is the electron-dot drawing shown above. The CH2O Lewis structure has carbon in the center with two C-H single bonds, one C=O double bond, and two lone pairs on oxygen.

How many valence electrons does CH2O have?

CH2O has 12 total valence electrons in this Lewis structure.

What is the molecular geometry of CH2O?

CH2O has trigonal planar around c molecular geometry and trigonal planar around c electron geometry.

Is CH2O polar or nonpolar?

CH2O is polar in the Lewis structure shown here. Its molecular geometry is Trigonal planar around C.

References

Method notes are aligned with standard Lewis structure steps: count valence electrons, draw a skeleton, distribute electrons, form multiple bonds when needed, and check formal charges and resonance.

OpenStax Chemistry 2e: Lewis Symbols and Structures and Formal Charges and Resonance.