AsCl3 Lewis Structure: How to Draw the Lewis Dot Structure for AsCl3

A step-by-step explanation of how to draw the AsCl3 Lewis Dot Structure ( Arsenic trichloride). For the AsCl3 structure use the periodic table to find the total number of valence electrons for the AsCl3 molecule. Once we know how many valence electrons there are in AsCl3 we can distribute them around the central atom with the goal of filling the outer shells of each atom. In the Lewis structure of AsCl3 structure there are a total of 26 valence electrons. AsCl3 is also called Arsenic trichloride. ----- Steps to Write Lewis Structure for compounds like AsCl3 ----- 1. Find the total valence electrons for the AsCl3 molecule. 2. Put the least electronegative atom in the center. Note: Hydrogen (H) always goes outside. 3. Put two electrons between atoms to form a chemical bond. 4. Complete octets on outside atoms. 5. If central atom does not have an octet, move electrons from outer atoms to form double or triple bonds. ----- Lewis Resources ----- Lewis Structures, also called Electron Dot Structures, are important to learn because they help us understand how atoms and electrons are arranged in a molecule, such as Arsenic trichloride. This can help us determine the molecular geometry, how the molecule might react with other molecules, and some of the physical properties of the molecule (like boiling point and surface tension). Remember, Arsenic is the least electronegative element so it goes at the center of the Lewis structure.