Lewis Structure Generator
Lactic Acid · C₃H₆O₃

C₃H₆O₃ Lewis Structure

Lactic acid contains both an alcohol group and a carboxylic-acid group, with a stereogenic middle carbon.

Open C₃H₆O₃ in the generatorSee drawing steps
C₃H₆O₃
CH₃—CH(OH)—C(=O)—O—H
Reviewed stored connectivity; detailed electron placement is explained below
Total valence electrons36
Reviewed connectivityCH₃—CH(OH)—C(=O)—O—H
GeometryMixed local geometries
Support levelReviewed guide

Lactic Acid overview

The stored Lewis connectivity is CH₃—CH(OH)—C(=O)—O—H. Lactic acid contains both an alcohol group and a carboxylic-acid group, with a stereogenic middle carbon.

How to draw C₃H₆O₃

  1. Count 36 valence electrons. Include charge adjustments before drawing.
  2. Use the reviewed connectivity CH₃—CH(OH)—C(=O)—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. Lactic acid contains both an alcohol group and a carboxylic-acid group, with a stereogenic middle carbon.
  5. Verify the total electron count and geometry. The reviewed geometry is Mixed local geometries.

Why this example matters

Lactic acid contains both an alcohol group and a carboxylic-acid group, with a stereogenic middle carbon.

Scope and model limits

The formula does not specify stereochemistry. The page shows connectivity without assigning an R or S configuration.

Common mistakes

  • Using 28 instead of 36 valence electrons
  • Omitting the alcohol O–H group
  • Confusing lactic acid with a carbonyl isomer

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