Lewis Structure Generator
Dichloromethane · CH₂Cl₂

CH₂Cl₂ Lewis Structure

A tetrahedral carbon bonds to two hydrogens and two chlorines; each chlorine has three lone pairs.

Open CH₂Cl₂ in the generatorSee drawing steps
CH₂Cl₂
CH₂Cl₂
Reviewed stored connectivity; detailed electron placement is explained below
Total valence electrons20
Reviewed connectivityCH₂Cl₂
GeometryTetrahedral at carbon
Support levelReviewed guide

Dichloromethane overview

The stored Lewis connectivity is CH₂Cl₂. A tetrahedral carbon bonds to two hydrogens and two chlorines; each chlorine has three lone pairs.

How to draw CH₂Cl₂

  1. Count 20 valence electrons. Include charge adjustments before drawing.
  2. Use the reviewed connectivity CH₂Cl₂. 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. A tetrahedral carbon bonds to two hydrogens and two chlorines; each chlorine has three lone pairs.
  5. Verify the total electron count and geometry. The reviewed geometry is Tetrahedral at carbon.

Why this example matters

A tetrahedral carbon bonds to two hydrogens and two chlorines; each chlorine has three lone pairs.

Scope and model limits

The condensed formula does not imply a square-planar arrangement; the four substituents occupy a tetrahedral environment.

Common mistakes

  • Drawing the four atoms in a square and calling that the geometry
  • Omitting chlorine lone pairs
  • Adding C=Cl bonds

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