Lewis Structure of Cl₂ (Chlorine)
What is the Lewis structure of Cl₂?
Cl₂ has 14 valence electrons, 1 bonding electron pair, and 6 lone pairs. Cl₂ has 14 valence electrons. Two are shared in the Cl–Cl single bond, and each chlorine has 3 lone pairs (6 electrons each). Both atoms have full octets.
| Formula | Cl₂ |
| Name | Chlorine |
| Total Valence Electrons | 14 |
| Lone Pairs | 6 |
| Has Resonance | No |
| Concept | Lone Pairs |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
Step 1: Count Valence Electrons
Each Cl (Group 7A) has 7 valence electrons: 7 + 7 = 14 total.
Step 2: Draw the Skeleton
The two Cl atoms share a single bond, using 2 electrons. 12 remain.
Step 3: Distribute Lone Pairs
Each Cl gets 3 lone pairs (6 electrons each), using all 12 remaining electrons.
Step 5: Check Formal Charges
- Cl: FC = 7 - 6 - ½(2) = 0
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