Drawing the Lewis Structure for ClO2

Viewing Notes:

  • For the Lewis structure for ClO2 place Chlorine (Cl) in the center of the structure since it is the least electronegative.
  • ClO2 has an odd number of valence electrons (19). That means that the Chlorine (Cl) atom will have an unpaired electron and therefore won't have an octet (it will have seven in ClO2.
  • You might think you've got the correct Lewis structure for ClO2 at first. Remember, Chlorine is in Period 3 and can hold more than 8 valence electrons.
  • You'll want to calculate the formal charges on each atom to make sure you have the best Lewis structure for ClO2.
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Frequently Tested Lewis Structures

Basic
CH4,   NH3,   C2H4,   O2,   N2

Intermediate
O3,   BBr3,   I3,   BrF5,   NO

Advanced
SO3,   H2SO4,   OCN,   XeO3,   ClO4