Lewis Structure of CH₄ (Methane)
What is the Lewis structure of CH₄?
CH₄ has 8 valence electrons, 4 bonding electron pairs. Methane has 8 valence electrons, all used in four C–H single bonds. Carbon’s octet is satisfied by the 4 bonds, and each hydrogen has a filled duet. No lone pairs are present.
| Formula | CH₄ |
| Name | Methane |
| Total Valence Electrons | 8 |
| Lone Pairs | 0 |
| Has Resonance | No |
| Concept | Simple Bonds |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
Step 1: Count Valence Electrons
C (Group 4A) has 4 valence electrons, each H has 1: 4 + 4(1) = 8 total.
Step 2: Draw the Skeleton
Carbon is the central atom with 4 single bonds to hydrogen, using all 8 electrons.
Step 3: Distribute Lone Pairs
No electrons remain — all 8 are in bonds. No lone pairs needed.
Step 5: Check Formal Charges
- C: FC = 4 - 0 - ½(8) = 0
- H: FC = 1 - 0 - ½(2) = 0
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