Lewis Structure Generator
Chloroform · CHCl₃

CHCl₃ Lewis Structure

One hydrogen and three chlorines complete carbon's four single bonds; every chlorine keeps three lone pairs.

Open CHCl₃ in the generatorSee drawing steps
CHCl₃
H—CCl₃
Reviewed stored connectivity; detailed electron placement is explained below
Total valence electrons26
Reviewed connectivityH—CCl₃
GeometryTetrahedral at carbon
Support levelReviewed guide

Chloroform overview

The stored Lewis connectivity is H—CCl₃. One hydrogen and three chlorines complete carbon's four single bonds; every chlorine keeps three lone pairs.

How to draw CHCl₃

  1. Count 26 valence electrons. Include charge adjustments before drawing.
  2. Use the reviewed connectivity H—CCl₃. Do not infer a different isomer from the formula alone.
  3. Place the required single, double or multiple bonds. Keep a running electron total.
  4. Complete terminal valence shells and add lone pairs or formal charges. One hydrogen and three chlorines complete carbon's four single bonds; every chlorine keeps three lone pairs.
  5. Verify the total electron count and geometry. The reviewed geometry is Tetrahedral at carbon.

Why this example matters

One hydrogen and three chlorines complete carbon's four single bonds; every chlorine keeps three lone pairs.

Scope and model limits

The 2D condensed display represents tetrahedral connectivity, not a planar molecule.

Common mistakes

  • Drawing carbon with a lone pair
  • Omitting nine total chlorine lone pairs
  • Using multiple C–Cl bonds

Last reviewed: 2026-07-16. Educational reference only; verify graded work with course materials.