Lewis Structure Generator
Chloromethane · CH₃Cl

CH₃Cl Lewis Structure

Carbon forms four single bonds; chlorine contributes one bond and retains three lone pairs.

Open CH₃Cl in the generatorSee drawing steps
CH₃Cl
CH₃—Cl
Reviewed stored connectivity; detailed electron placement is explained below
Total valence electrons14
Reviewed connectivityCH₃—Cl
GeometryTetrahedral at carbon
Support levelReviewed guide

Chloromethane overview

The stored Lewis connectivity is CH₃—Cl. Carbon forms four single bonds; chlorine contributes one bond and retains three lone pairs.

How to draw CH₃Cl

  1. Count 14 valence electrons. Include charge adjustments before drawing.
  2. Use the reviewed connectivity CH₃—Cl. 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. Carbon forms four single bonds; chlorine contributes one bond and retains three lone pairs.
  5. Verify the total electron count and geometry. The reviewed geometry is Tetrahedral at carbon.

Why this example matters

Carbon forms four single bonds; chlorine contributes one bond and retains three lone pairs.

Scope and model limits

The page shows the chloromethane isomer represented by the stored record.

Common mistakes

  • Drawing C=Cl
  • Omitting chlorine lone pairs
  • Giving carbon five bonds

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