How many lone pairs does Cl- have?
I can draw it using a cross and dot diagram but not sure if it would have 4, or 3 as one of the electrons has been added from somewhere to make it an ion?
Thank you!
It has 4 lone pairs.
https://www.google.com/search?q=lewis+structure+chloride+ion&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiE2ZeA4uXTAhUH2WMKHUBiCXwQsAQINg&biw=998&bih=600
Thank you :)
To determine the number of lone pairs on the chloride ion (Cl-), we need to consider its electron configuration.
Chlorine (Cl) is a halogen group element found in Group 17 of the periodic table. It has 7 valence electrons.
When chlorine gains an extra electron to form the chloride ion (Cl-), it results in a complete outer shell with 8 valence electrons.
To visualize the electron configuration of Cl-, you can draw a Lewis structure or electron dot diagram.
Start by representing the chlorine atom before the ionization process:
Cl:
Next, add an extra electron to form the chloride ion:
Cl-:
Now, count the number of lone pairs on Cl-. Lone pairs are non-bonded pairs of electrons.
In this case, there is one extra electron compared to a neutral chlorine atom. This extra electron now acts as a lone pair. Therefore, Cl- has one lone pair.
So, to answer your question, Cl- has one lone pair.
Remember, when drawing Lewis structures or electron dot diagrams, it is essential to follow the octet rule (except for hydrogen and helium). Elements tend to gain, lose, or share electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration with a full outer shell of 8 electrons (except for hydrogen and helium, which aim for 2 electrons).