Question

One other question that I am really not 100% sure on:

how do I draw the electron-dot structure for: CHClO.

I "think" that CHClO is a trigonal planar molecule, with the central atom being carbon. Is this correct?

Answer 1

The least electronegative element usually is the central element. However, it can't be H (in the rules). So I think C is correct for the central element. I also think it is trigonal planar. I would think it would look something like this.
H
|
C=O
|
Cl
That is three regions of high electron density which makes it trigonal planar.

Answer 2

<b>
H
..
C::O
..
Cl
</b> with four dots on the O and 6 added to the Cl. You should have 18 electrons total.

Answer 3

is trigonal planar bent though? or would it basically look just as you have it, but with 2electrons on top of the "O" & 2 on the bottom of it? & then 6/3pairs of electrons around the "Cl".

or...being as how these structures are way too hard to type out:

the "Carbon" would be the central atom with the "Oxygen" sticking straight up above it with one pair of electrons on either side of it (to the right & left) & then the "Hydrogen" atom & the "Chlorine" atom being singly bonded to the "Carbon" & both arranged under the "Carbon" like an upside-down "V"-shape???

Answer 4

I tried drawing as this & it turned out to be correct. Thank you very much!

Answer 5

Trigonal planar is a triangle. <b>
&nbsp&nbsp.
&nbsp /___\</b>
with C in the center of the triangle (in the plane of the paper) and bonds from the center to each corner. 1 bond to H at one corner, 1 bond to Cl at another corner and 2 bonds to O at the remaining corner.

Answer 6

Also remember that the bond angles are at 120 degrees. and a hybridization of sp^2

Answer 7

Cl-C-H
O