Question

In most lewis dot structures of neutral compounds, carbon as the central atom will be bound to a maximum of how many atoms, nitrogen will be bound to a maximum of how many atoms, and oxygen will be bound to a maximum of how many atoms?

Answer 1

The total number of elements that one particular element can bond to can be determined by simply drawing the Lewis structure of the element.

Place the chemical symbol
Then look at the group number = valence electrons
Distribute the valence electrons around the atom.

C = 4 bonds
N = 3 bonds
O = 2 bonds