How to Draw Lewis Structures: Five Easy Steps

The video covers the basic Lewis structures you'll see in an introductory chemistry class.

Steps to Write Lewis Structures
1. Find the total valence electrons for the molecule.
2. Put the least electronegative atom in the center. Note: Hydrogen (H) always goes outside.
3. Put two electrons between atoms to form a chemical bond.
4. Complete octets on outside atoms.
5. If central atom does not have an octet, move electrons from outer atoms to form double or triple bonds.

Lewis Resources

Lewis Structures are important to learn because they help us understand how atoms and electrons are arranged in a molecule, such as Carbon dioxide. This can help us determine the molecular geometry, how the molecule might react with other molecules, and some of the physical properties of the molecule (like boiling point and surface tension).

[reaganvinson]

Im a high school chemistry teacher, and this is the best tutorial I have seen for drawing Lewis dot diagrams. Thanks, Dr. B!

[Malluc]

A 5 minute video taught me more than a lecture...
Thank you sir!

[becoo]

you taught me more in a little under 6 minutes than my professor has in like 2 months.

[demetriarule]

You just summed up a 50min lecture in-nearly 6mins. Sometimes I hate College.

[nnekababy]

You are DEFINITELY on my "When I win the lottery" list!

[zapdos]

I hardly ever see academic videos that are so well produced and so informative! You have such a calming voice! Thank you for publishing this video! :)

[JohnNeves]

This is the most amazing chemistry video I have ever seen. It's simple and useful. Thanks.

[trillclinton]

god bless you. you teach like a god compared to my chem teacher

[MegaAmanDude]

This was probably the best video of Lewis Dot Diagrams on the web. Quick, informative, and straight to the point. Honestly recommend to anyone having a tough time with doing complex/simple lewis dot diagrams. Happy Studying !

[lindseyisaacs]

This was EXTREMELY helpful! We just spent a week in my AP Chem class going over Lewis Dot Diagrams and I was still confused. You are awesome & a life saver for a procrastinating student.

[serene]

Wow, your students in real life are so lucky! Like, seriously- they should feel honored to get to learn from you. I know I would. Much love and respect from India :)

[aljaziletsgo]

i wish that my chemistry professor would teach the same way that you do Dr . B. Your great!

[masift]

my chemistry final is tomorrow morning and this helped me so much. thank you so much you're such a legend

[hannahpedersen]

I've been stuck mixing myself up with lewis structures where one day I'll have it down and the next I completely forget. Having these rules makes it so simple I can do it anytime I have these rules memorized. Thank you!!!!

[Quepiid]

I have a test on this in 10 mins. In our side my class watching this video. You are the only one who clearly explained this for me. Thanks!!

[soniaayoade]

i learned more in 5minutes than i did in a 3hour class, thanks dr b

[CourtneyBan]

Seeing you draw the linked circles around the bonds really helps clarify how the elements interact!  Thanks so much!

[cjfermo]

This video is very informative, well made, and straight to the point. I am in a University chemistry class and my final exam is in about half an hour, and for some reason I just completely forgot how to make Lewis structures. Searching through my books for an understandable explanation yielded no results, but this 6 minute YouTube video gave me complete understanding of this concept just in time for me to take the exam. Thank you for your help!

[brendaharrisskibreranch]

Extremely helpful. Thanks for keeping it simple and straightforward. Your other videos on how to draw the Lewis structure for specific molecules was also helpful, especially since you point out "exceptions" as in the structure for Borotriflouride.

[snooze]

thank you so much! i dont understand what's so difficult about explaining things like this. if my teacher taught like this, i'd be acing the class!