The Lewis structure of a molecule shows the arrangement of its atoms and the number of electrons involved in bonding. For ammonia (NH3), the Lewis structure is:
H:N:H
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H
Steps to Draw the Lewis Structure of NH3:
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Count the total number of valence electrons. Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons, and each hydrogen atom has 1 valence electron. Thus, the total number of valence electrons in NH3 is 5 + (3 x 1) = 8.
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Place the least electronegative atom in the center. Nitrogen is less electronegative than hydrogen, so it is placed in the center of the molecule.
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Connect the atoms with single bonds. Each hydrogen atom is connected to nitrogen with a single bond.
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Distribute the remaining electrons as lone pairs. The nitrogen atom has 2 valence electrons left, which form a lone pair.
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Check that all atoms have a complete octet of electrons. Each hydrogen atom has 2 electrons, and the nitrogen atom has 8 electrons. Therefore, all atoms have a complete octet of electrons.
- Molecular weight: 17.031 g/mol
- Melting point: -77.73 °C
- Boiling point: -33.34 °C
- Density: 0.681 g/cm³ at 0 °C
- Solubility: Soluble in water and many other solvents
NH3 has a wide range of applications, including:
- Fertilizer: NH3 is used as a nitrogen fertilizer for crops.
- Refrigerant: NH3 is used as a refrigerant in industrial and commercial refrigeration systems.
- Cleaning agent: NH3 is used as a cleaning agent for surfaces and fabrics.
- Precursor to other chemicals: NH3 is used as a precursor to the production of other chemicals, such as nitric acid and ammonium salts.
[Insert link to video tutorial]
- Draw the Lewis structure of NH2CH3.
- Draw the Lewis structure of N2H4.
- Draw the Lewis structure of NH4+.
The Lewis structure of NH3 is a useful tool for understanding the bonding and properties of this molecule. NH3 has a variety of applications, including as a fertilizer, refrigerant, cleaning agent, and precursor to other chemicals.