Lewis Structure Generator
Hypochlorite ion · ClO−

ClO− Lewis Structure

Hypochlorite has one Cl–O single bond. Both atoms have three lone pairs, and formal-charge bookkeeping places the −1 charge on oxygen.

Open ClO− in the generatorSee drawing steps
ClO⁻
[ :Cl — O: ]⁻
Single bond; three lone pairs on each atom
Total valence electrons14
Bond orderSingle
Formal chargeO −1
GeometryLinear

ClO− overview

Chlorine contributes seven electrons, oxygen contributes six and the negative charge adds one. The single bond uses two electrons, leaving twelve electrons as six lone pairs.

How to draw ClO−

  1. Count 14 electrons.
  2. Draw a single Cl–O bond.
  3. Add three lone pairs to chlorine and three to oxygen.
  4. Check formal charges.
    Chlorine is 0 and oxygen is −1.
  5. Add brackets and the overall − charge.

Why not a double bond?

A Cl=O double bond would not improve the standard formal-charge distribution for hypochlorite. The single-bond structure gives chlorine zero and oxygen −1.

Common mistakes

  • Forgetting the extra electron from the charge.
  • Giving oxygen only two lone pairs.
  • Omitting brackets.
  • Putting the negative formal charge on chlorine.

Last reviewed: July 16, 2026. Educational reference only.