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Lewis Structure Generator

Master Lewis Structures in Seconds, Not Hours

Save time on homework, avoid costly mistakes, and boost your chemistry grades. Get accurate Lewis dot structures instantly—trusted by over 50,000 students worldwide.

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Draw Lewis structures for: Molecules, ions, chemical compounds, organic molecules, inorganic compounds, Lewis dot diagrams with electron pairs, bonding electrons, and lone pairs.

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100% Free • No signup required • Instant results

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Result: Water (H₂O)

Molecular Properties

Valence Electrons 8
Net Charge 0
Central Atom Oxygen
Molar Mass 18.015 g/mol

Geometry

Bent (V-shaped)
Bond Angle 104.5°
Hybridization sp³

Element Composition

Mass Percentage

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Common Examples

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Structures Generated
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Average Rating
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Accuracy Rate

What Students Say

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"This tool saved me countless hours during exam prep. The visualizations are so clear—I finally understand molecular geometry!"

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"As a teacher, I recommend this to all my students. It's accurate, fast, and helps them visualize concepts they struggle with in textbooks."

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"My grades improved from a B to an A after using this tool. It's like having a chemistry tutor available 24/7!"

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Aligned with Educational Standards

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Why Students Choose Our Tool

Stop wasting hours drawing Lewis structures by hand. Our tool saves you time, eliminates errors, and helps you understand chemistry faster—so you can spend more time mastering concepts and less time struggling with diagrams.

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Save 10+ Hours Per Week

Generate accurate structures in seconds instead of struggling for minutes on each molecule.

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Boost Your Grades

Get perfect diagrams every time and understand complex molecules faster with clear visualizations.

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Learn Faster

Visual learning helps you grasp molecular geometry and bonding concepts that seem confusing in textbooks.

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Zero Mistakes

Avoid common errors in electron counting, formal charges, and bond placement with our validated algorithm.

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What is a Lewis Dot Structure?

A Lewis Structure is an efficient graphical representation of the valence electrons in molecules and polyatomic ions. It is a single line for a single bond (a shared pair or a double bond), a double line is a split line or a triple bond (a pair of dots next to atom next to an unpaired electron) radical).

Bonding Pairs: A single line for a single bond, double line for double bonds, and a triple line for triple bonds.

Lone Pairs: Pairs of dots located on an atom not involved in bonding (non-bonding valence electrons).

Radical Dots: A single dot next to the atom indicates (single electron or radical).

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How to Draw Lewis Structures: Step-by-Step Guide

1

Count Valence Electrons

Calculate total valence electrons. Carbon (Group 14) has 4, Oxygen (Group 16) has 6. Total = 4 + (2×6) = 16 e⁻.

2

Determine Central Atom

Carbon is less electronegative than Oxygen, so it's central: O-C-O

3

Draw Single Bonds

Connect each oxygen to carbon with a single bond: 2 bonds × 2 e⁻ = 4 e⁻ used. Remaining = 12 e⁻.

4

Add Lone Pairs to Outer Atoms

Place remaining electrons on oxygen to satisfy their octet. Each needs 6 more e⁻ (3 lone pairs).

5

Check Central Atom Octet

Carbon has only 4 e⁻ (needs 8). Form double bonds: O=C=O

6

Verify Final Structure

Check that all atoms satisfy the octet rule and calculate formal charges.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do some atoms expand their octet? expand_more
Elements in period 3+ can use d-orbitals, allowing more than 8 electrons (e.g., PCl₅ has 10).
What is Formal Charge? expand_more
A theoretical charge calculated by: FC = V - (L + B/2), where V = valence electrons, L = lone pairs, B = bonding electrons.
How do I use the Lewis Structure Generator? expand_more
Enter your chemical formula and click "Generate". The tool accepts standard notation, ions, and functional groups.
Does this tool support charged ions? expand_more
Yes! Input ions using notation like SO4 2- or NH4 +.
What molecules are supported? expand_more
We support a vast range from simple diatomic gases to complex organic compounds, including acids, salts, hydrocarbons, and expanded octets.
Can I see resonance structures? expand_more
Currently shows the most stable resonance contributor based on formal charge minimization.
Is the VSEPR theory applied here? expand_more
Yes, molecular geometry and bond angles are calculated using VSEPR theory.
What does "Hybridization" mean? expand_more
Mixing of atomic orbitals to form new hybrid orbitals (e.g., sp³ in tetrahedral CH₄, sp² in trigonal planar BF₃).
Is this tool free for students? expand_more
Absolutely! This is a free educational resource for students and teachers.

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