Lewis Structure Generator
Glycerol · C₃H₈O₃

C₃H₈O₃ Lewis Structure

Three alcohol groups each contain an O–H bond and two oxygen lone pairs.

Open C₃H₈O₃ in the generatorSee drawing steps
C₃H₈O₃
HO—CH₂—CH(OH)—CH₂—OH
Reviewed stored connectivity; detailed electron placement is explained below
Total valence electrons38
Reviewed connectivityHO—CH₂—CH(OH)—CH₂—OH
GeometryMixed; tetrahedral carbons and bent oxygens
Support levelReviewed guide

Glycerol overview

The stored Lewis connectivity is HO—CH₂—CH(OH)—CH₂—OH. Three alcohol groups each contain an O–H bond and two oxygen lone pairs.

How to draw C₃H₈O₃

  1. Count 38 valence electrons. Include charge adjustments before drawing.
  2. Use the reviewed connectivity HO—CH₂—CH(OH)—CH₂—OH. 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. Three alcohol groups each contain an O–H bond and two oxygen lone pairs.
  5. Verify the total electron count and geometry. The reviewed geometry is Mixed; tetrahedral carbons and bent oxygens.

Why this example matters

Three alcohol groups each contain an O–H bond and two oxygen lone pairs.

Scope and model limits

The condensed structure omits conformational detail and hydrogen-bonding networks.

Common mistakes

  • Using 32 instead of 38 valence electrons
  • Drawing carbonyl groups
  • Forgetting two lone pairs on each oxygen

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