Lewis Structure Generator
Hydrogen fluoride · HF

HF Lewis Structure

HF contains one H–F single bond. Fluorine holds three lone pairs, hydrogen satisfies the duet rule, and both atoms have formal charge zero.

Open HF in the generatorSee drawing steps
HF
H—F:
Three lone pairs on fluorine
Total valence electrons8
Bond order1
Fluorine lone pairs3
GeometryLinear

HF overview

Hydrogen contributes one electron and fluorine contributes seven. Two electrons form the bond, leaving six electrons as three lone pairs on fluorine.

How to draw HF

  1. Count 8 valence electrons.
  2. Draw one H–F single bond.
  3. Place three lone pairs on fluorine.
  4. Confirm hydrogen has a duet and fluorine has an octet.

Polarity and naming

The H–F bond is strongly polar because fluorine attracts the shared pair more strongly. HF is hydrogen fluoride as a molecular substance; its aqueous acid is called hydrofluoric acid.

Common mistakes

  • Adding lone pairs to hydrogen.
  • Drawing an H=F double bond.
  • Showing fewer than three fluorine lone pairs.
  • Using an ionic H⁺ F⁻ drawing for the isolated molecule.

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