Lewis Structure Generator
Propane · C₃H₈

C₃H₈ Lewis Structure

A three-carbon alkane uses only C–C and C–H single bonds; no carbon carries a lone pair.

Open C₃H₈ in the generatorSee drawing steps
C₃H₈
CH₃—CH₂—CH₃
Reviewed stored connectivity; detailed electron placement is explained below
Total valence electrons20
Reviewed connectivityCH₃—CH₂—CH₃
GeometryTetrahedral at each carbon
Support levelReviewed guide

Propane overview

The stored Lewis connectivity is CH₃—CH₂—CH₃. A three-carbon alkane uses only C–C and C–H single bonds; no carbon carries a lone pair.

How to draw C₃H₈

  1. Count 20 valence electrons. Include charge adjustments before drawing.
  2. Use the reviewed connectivity CH₃—CH₂—CH₃. 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 three-carbon alkane uses only C–C and C–H single bonds; no carbon carries a lone pair.
  5. Verify the total electron count and geometry. The reviewed geometry is Tetrahedral at each carbon.

Why this example matters

A three-carbon alkane uses only C–C and C–H single bonds; no carbon carries a lone pair.

Scope and model limits

The condensed display groups C–H bonds for readability while preserving the reviewed connectivity.

Common mistakes

  • Adding a C=C bond
  • Giving carbon a lone pair
  • Using fewer than eight hydrogens

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