Draw and Explain the Lewis Diagram for Nitromethane CH3NO2

Nitromethane (CH₃NO₂) is an organic compound that consists of a methyl group (CH₃) and a nitro group (NO₂). To draw the Lewis structure for nitromethane, we need to follow a few steps:

1. Count the Total Valence Electrons:
   Carbon has 4 valence electrons, hydrogen has 1 (there are 3 hydrogens), nitrogen has 5, and oxygen has 6 (there are 2 oxygens). Thus, the total is:
   • 1 Carbon: 4
   • 3 Hydrogens: 3
   • 1 Nitrogen: 5
   • 2 Oxygens: 12

   Total = 4 + 3 + 5 + 12 = 24 valence electrons.

2. Skeleton Structure:
   Begin with the carbon atom in the center, attached to three hydrogen atoms and one nitrogen atom. The nitrogen atom will be connected to the two oxygen atoms forming the nitro group.
3. Placement of Atoms:
   The skeleton structure is shown as follows:

        O
        ||
     H–C–N
        |
        H
        |
        H
        O
     

4. Distributing Electrons:
   Place double bonds between nitrogen and one of the oxygen atoms (to fulfill the nitrogen’s and one oxygen’s octet), while the other oxygen atom will be single bonded to nitrogen. This will account for the total of 24 electrons:

         O
         ||
     H–C–N–O
         |
         H
         |
         H
     

   In this structure, nitrogen has a formal charge of +1, and one of the oxygens has a formal charge of -1, while the other is neutral.

In summary, the Lewis structure for nitromethane CH₃NO₂ clearly illustrates how the atoms are bonded and shows the distribution of electrons around the molecule, which is important for understanding its chemistry and reactivity.