Lewis Structure Generator
Ethanol · C₂H₅OH

C₂H₅OH Lewis Structure

The O–H bond distinguishes ethanol from dimethyl ether even though both share the formula C₂H₆O.

Open C₂H₅OH in the generatorSee drawing steps
C₂H₅OH
CH₃—CH₂—O—H
Reviewed stored connectivity; detailed electron placement is explained below
Total valence electrons20
Reviewed connectivityCH₃—CH₂—O—H
GeometryTetrahedral carbons; bent at oxygen
Support levelReviewed guide

Ethanol overview

The stored Lewis connectivity is CH₃—CH₂—O—H. The O–H bond distinguishes ethanol from dimethyl ether even though both share the formula C₂H₆O.

How to draw C₂H₅OH

  1. Count 20 valence electrons. Include charge adjustments before drawing.
  2. Use the reviewed connectivity CH₃—CH₂—O—H. 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. The O–H bond distinguishes ethanol from dimethyl ether even though both share the formula C₂H₆O.
  5. Verify the total electron count and geometry. The reviewed geometry is Tetrahedral carbons; bent at oxygen.

Why this example matters

The O–H bond distinguishes ethanol from dimethyl ether even though both share the formula C₂H₆O.

Scope and model limits

The condensed structure shows the ethanol isomer explicitly. A molecular formula alone would not distinguish ethanol from dimethyl ether.

Common mistakes

  • Connecting hydrogen to carbon instead of oxygen
  • Forgetting two oxygen lone pairs
  • Confusing ethanol with dimethyl ether

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