Lewis Structure

O2 Lewis Structure

Oxygen

The classroom Lewis structure for O2 is O=O with two lone pairs on each oxygen.

Use the diagram and steps below to check the oxygen Lewis structure, O2 Lewis dot structure, valence electrons, formal charges, and molecular shape.

O2 is paramagnetic in real molecular orbital theory, so a simple Lewis structure is useful but incomplete.

O2

Oxygen

12 e-
O O
Valence electrons12
Central atomNone
GeometryLinear
Bond angleNot applicable
PolarityNonpolar
Electron geometryNot applicable (diatomic)

Molecular Geometry

Molecular geometry Linear
Bond angle Not applicable
Polarity Nonpolar
Valence electrons 12
Bond pairs / lone pairs per atom 2 / 2 each

How to Draw O2: Step-by-Step

1

Parse the molecular formula

O2 -> O, O

The molecule contains two oxygen atoms.

2

Count total valence electrons

6 + 6 = 12

Each oxygen atom contributes 6 valence electrons.

3

Draw the skeleton

O-O

Start by connecting the two oxygen atoms with a single bond.

4

Form a double bond

O=O

Two shared electron pairs give both oxygen atoms an octet.

5

Place lone pairs

Two lone pairs on each O

The remaining 8 electrons form two lone pairs on each oxygen atom.

6

Final answer

The introductory O2 Lewis structure is O=O with two lone pairs on each oxygen. Both formal charges are 0.

Formal Charges

AtomFormal charge
O0 each

Common Mistakes

  • Lewis structures do not explain the paramagnetism of O2.
  • The simple O=O drawing is still the common introductory Lewis structure.

FAQ

What is the Lewis structure for O2?

The introductory O2 Lewis structure is O=O with two lone pairs on each oxygen. Both formal charges are 0.

What is the Lewis dot structure for O2?

The Lewis dot structure for O2 is the electron-dot drawing shown above. The introductory O2 Lewis structure is O=O with two lone pairs on each oxygen. Both formal charges are 0.

How many valence electrons does O2 have?

O2 has 12 total valence electrons in this Lewis structure.

What is the molecular geometry of O2?

O2 is a diatomic molecule, so it is linear. VSEPR electron geometry around a central atom does not apply.

Is O2 polar or nonpolar?

O2 is nonpolar in the Lewis structure shown here. Its molecular geometry is Linear.

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.