Commonly Tested Lewis Structures

We draw Lewis Structures to predict:

-the shape of a molecule.

-the reactivity of a molecule and how it might interact with other molecules.

-the physical properties of a molecule such as boiling point, surface tension, etc.

Drawing the Lewis Structure for NO2

Video: Drawing the Lewis Structure for NO2

The NO2 Lewis structure has a total of 17 valence electrons. It's not common to have an odd number of valence electrons in a Lewis structure. Because of this we'll try to get as close to an octet as we can on the central Nitrogen (N) atom. This will mean that it will only have 7 valence electrons.

In the Lewis structure for NO2 the Nitrogen atom is the least electronegative atom and goes at the center of the structure.

For the NO2 Lewis structure, calculate the total number of valence electrons for the NO2 molecule. After determining how many valence electrons there are in NO2, place them around the central atom to complete the octets.


It is helpful if you:

  • Try to draw the NO2 Lewis structure before watching the video.
  • Watch the video and see if you missed any steps or information.
  • Try structures similar to NO2 for more practice.

List of Lewis Structures

Acetone BF3 BH4- BrF5 BrO3- C2H2 C2H4 ClO-
CH4 ClO2- ClO2 ClO4- CO CS2 H2O H3O+
HCl HNO3 I3- ICl4- IF5 N2 N3- NH2OH
NH3 NO2- NO2 NO3- O2 OF2 PCl5 PH3
PO33- PO43- SCl2 SF4 SF6 SO3 SO42- XeF2
XeF4