What is the number of bonding electrons and the number of nonbonding electrons in the structure of BeF2?
4,12
To determine the number of bonding electrons and nonbonding electrons in the structure of BeF2, we need to understand the Lewis structure of the molecule.
1. Begin by identifying the central atom. In the case of BeF2, beryllium (Be) is the central atom since fluorine (F) is more electronegative.
2. Determine the number of valence electrons for each atom. Beryllium is in Group 2 of the periodic table and has 2 valence electrons, while fluorine is in Group 17 and has 7 valence electrons.
3. Draw the Lewis structure by placing the atoms next to each other, with the central atom (Be) in the center and the fluorine atoms (F) surrounding it.
F Be F
4. Place the valence electrons around the atoms, starting with the outer atoms (fluorine) and then distributing the remaining electrons to the central atom (beryllium).
- Each fluorine atom needs 1 additional electron to complete its octet. Since there are two fluorine atoms, a total of 2 electrons are needed.
- Beryllium needs 4 additional electrons to complete its octet.
5. Connect the atoms with lines (representing bonds) using a pair of electrons.
F Be F
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6. Distribute the remaining electrons around the central atom (beryllium), completing its octet.
F Be F
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E
In the Lewis structure of BeF2, beryllium forms a double bond with each fluorine atom, resulting in two bonding pairs of electrons. Hence, the number of bonding electrons is 4. Additionally, there are no nonbonding (lone pair) electrons on the central atom. Therefore, the number of nonbonding electrons is 0.