Lewis Structure

CH3Cl Lewis Structure

Chloromethane

CH3Cl has carbon in the center with three C-H bonds and one C-Cl bond. Chlorine has three lone pairs.

Use the diagram and steps below to check the chloromethane Lewis structure, CH3Cl Lewis dot structure, valence electrons, formal charges, and molecular shape.

CH3Cl

Chloromethane

14 e-
C H H H Cl
Valence electrons14
Central atomC
GeometryTetrahedral
Bond angleAbout 109.5 deg
PolarityPolar
Electron geometryTetrahedral

VSEPR Geometry

Molecular geometry Tetrahedral
Electron geometry Tetrahedral
Bond angle About 109.5 deg
Polarity Polar
Valence electrons 14
Bonding / lone pairs 4 / 0 around C
Central atom C
Electron regions 4

How to Draw CH3Cl: Step-by-Step

1

Parse the molecular formula

CH3Cl -> C, H, H, H, Cl

The molecule contains one carbon atom, three hydrogen atoms, and one chlorine atom.

2

Count total valence electrons

4 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 7 = 14

Carbon contributes 4 electrons, three hydrogens contribute 3, and chlorine contributes 7.

3

Choose the central atom

Central atom: C

Hydrogen is terminal, and chlorine usually forms one single bond in this molecule.

4

Draw the skeleton

Three C-H bonds and one C-Cl bond

Four single bonds around carbon give carbon an octet.

5

Place lone pairs

Three lone pairs on Cl

The remaining 6 electrons are placed on chlorine.

6

Final answer

The CH3Cl Lewis structure has carbon in the center with three C-H single bonds, one C-Cl single bond, and three lone pairs on chlorine.

Formal Charges

AtomFormal charge
C0
Cl0
H0 each

Common Mistakes

  • Do not put chlorine in the center for CH3Cl.
  • Chlorine should have three lone pairs.

FAQ

What is the Lewis structure for CH3Cl?

The CH3Cl Lewis structure has carbon in the center with three C-H single bonds, one C-Cl single bond, and three lone pairs on chlorine.

What is the Lewis dot structure for CH3Cl?

The Lewis dot structure for CH3Cl is the electron-dot drawing shown above. The CH3Cl Lewis structure has carbon in the center with three C-H single bonds, one C-Cl single bond, and three lone pairs on chlorine.

How many valence electrons does CH3Cl have?

CH3Cl has 14 total valence electrons in this Lewis structure.

What is the molecular geometry of CH3Cl?

CH3Cl has tetrahedral molecular geometry and tetrahedral electron geometry.

Is CH3Cl polar or nonpolar?

CH3Cl is polar in the Lewis structure shown here. Its molecular geometry is Tetrahedral.

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.