Which of the following pairs of elements is most likely to form an ionic compound?
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Answer:
Choose the least electronegative atom other than H.
Explanation:
A Lewis structure consists of <em>terminal atoms</em> and one or more <em>central atoms</em>.
H can be <em>only a terminal atom</em> because it can form only one bond.
So the central atom must be either C or O.
The central atom is the less electronegative atom: C.
So, start the Lewis structure with a central C atom.
Then attach an O atom to get C-O.
Finally, attach the H atoms.
The condensed formula often gives you a clue where they go.
The formula CH₃OH implies that there are 3 H atoms on C and one on O.
The connectivity of the atoms is then as in the diagram below.
