How to Draw the Lewis Structure for Methanol (CH3OH)

To draw the Lewis structure for methanol (CH3OH), follow these steps:

1. Count the total number of valence electrons:
   • Carbon (C) has 4 valence electrons.
   • Hydrogen (H) has 1 valence electron each, and there are 4 hydrogen atoms, so 4 × 1 = 4 electrons.
   • Oxygen (O) has 6 valence electrons.

   Total valence electrons = 4 (C) + 4 (H) + 6 (O) = 14 electrons.

2. Determine the central atom:

   Carbon is the central atom because it is less electronegative than oxygen.

3. Draw the skeletal structure:

   Connect the carbon atom to three hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. The oxygen atom is also connected to a hydrogen atom.

4. Distribute the remaining electrons:

   After forming the bonds, distribute the remaining electrons to satisfy the octet rule for each atom.

   • Carbon forms single bonds with three hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, using 8 electrons.
   • Oxygen forms a single bond with carbon and a single bond with hydrogen, using 4 electrons. It also has two lone pairs, using 4 more electrons.
5. Check the octet rule:

   Ensure that each atom (except hydrogen) has 8 electrons around it. Hydrogen should have 2 electrons.

Here is the final Lewis structure for methanol (CH3OH):

    H
    |
H—C—O—H
    |
    H

In this structure, carbon is bonded to three hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. The oxygen atom is also bonded to a hydrogen atom and has two lone pairs of electrons.